LAGOS BOOSTS MEDICAL SUPPLY CHAIN WITH COMMISSIONING OF TWO PHARMAGRADE WAREHOUSES
… Expands Pharmaceutical Storage Capacity with Cutting-Edge Warehousing Technology
… As Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Administration Continues to Strengthen Healthcare Infrastructure
Lagos State Government has further reinforced its commitment to quality healthcare delivery with the commissioning of two newly upgraded Pharmagrade warehouses at the Lagos State Medical Store (LSMS), Oshodi. The state-of-the-art facilities, launched on Thursday, January 30, 2025, will significantly enhance the storage and distribution of essential medicines, ensuring efficiency, safety, and accessibility for Lagos residents.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, highlighted the significance of the project, describing it as a crucial step in fortifying Lagos’ healthcare supply chain. She noted that Lagos was among 21 states selected by the National Product Supply Chain Management Program (NPSCMP) for infrastructural upgrades under the Resilient and Sustainable System for Health (RSSH) Grant II funded by the Global Fund and facilitated through UNICEF.
“Lagos State has always been at the forefront of healthcare innovation, and today’s commissioning reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that all medicines and medical supplies in our care remain potent, secure, and readily available,” Dr. Ogunyemi stated.
She emphasised that the newly commissioned warehouses are equipped with temperature control systems, laboratories for drug analysis, cold rooms, inventory management technologies, alternative power sources, and advanced security features to meet national standards.
Dr. Ogunyemi further expressed gratitude to partners, stakeholders, and healthcare professionals who contributed to the successful execution of the project. She reiterated that the Lagos State Government provided 15% counterpart funding for the upgrade, demonstrating its strong ownership and commitment to sustainable healthcare improvements.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, acknowledged the transformation of the LSMS from its previously dilapidated state to a world-class medical storage facility. He recalled his initial visit to the complex, where he observed the poor conditions under which staff operated due to non-functional generators, faulty power supply, and deteriorating infrastructure.
“I remember walking through the old warehouses and feeling deeply sorry for the staff who worked under such conditions. Today, I am pleased that they now have access to modern, functional, and conducive workspaces,” Dr. Ogboye said. He commended the dedication of Pharm. (Mrs.) Oyebisi Omolambe, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, for her efforts in driving the upgrade and leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Dr. Ogboye also announced that the Lagos State Government would commence the renovation of Warehouses A and B to ensure that all storage facilities at the LSMS meet global standards. However, he cautioned against misuse of the warehouses, stressing that they should not become dumping grounds for obsolete equipment, expired drugs, or archived documents.
“The maintenance of these warehouses is critical. We cannot afford to return in a year to find these facilities in a deplorable state. These are high-tech infrastructures, and they must be preserved for sustained efficiency,” he warned.
Delivering a detailed presentation on the Pharmagrade Warehouse Project, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Pharm. (Mrs.) Oyebisi Omolambe outlined the significance of the LSMS as a hub for receiving, warehousing, and distributing medical and non-medical commodities procured by or donated to the Lagos State Ministry of Health. She highlighted that the total storage capacity of the new warehouses is 1,136.52m², with 272 racks and 1,632 pallet spaces.
Pharm. Omolambe also noted that the warehouse cooling systems, security cameras, controlled access points, emergency exits, fire suppression systems, and epoxy flooring ensure optimal safety and efficiency. However, she called for additional infrastructure support, including a higher-capacity transformer, additional generators, and more shelving units to maximise storage space.
The Coordinator of the Global Fund Grant Management Unit, Mr. Abiodun Omoloja, commended the Lagos State Government’s proactive approach to healthcare investments. He assured continued support from the Global Fund, revealing that additional renovations are underway for Stores G and F to further strengthen medical storage and distribution capacity in the state.
Other dignitaries present at the event, including Pharm. Sulaiman Hassan, Regional Director of USAID-GHSC; Pharm. Shakirat Adeosun, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board and Pharm. (Dr.) Patricia Odunuga, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, LASUTH, lauded the state’s commitment to quality healthcare infrastructure. They emphasised the need for proper maintenance of the warehouses and pledged continued collaboration to sustain high standards.
The commissioning of the two Pharmagrade warehouses marks a significant milestone in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus agenda, which prioritises healthcare infrastructure and service delivery. The project is expected to reduce delays in medicine supply, improve accountability, and ensure that quality medical commodities reach the last mile of healthcare service delivery.
As Lagos State continues to set the pace in healthcare infrastructure, the successful upgrade of the LSMS facilities reaffirms the administration’s unwavering commitment to providing accessible, efficient, and world-class medical services for all residents.
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