Lagos upgrades 2 pharmaceutical storages with Global Fund’s aid

The Lagos State government has upgraded two warehouses at the Lagos State Medical Store (LSMS), Oshodi, with the support of the Global Fund.

The effort is geared towards enhancing the storage and distribution of essential medicines for residents.

Kemi Ogunyemi, special adviser to the governor on Health, described the upgrade as a crucial step in fortifying Lagos’ healthcare supply chain.

She 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 2 funded by the Global Fund and facilitated through UNICEF.

“Today’s commissioning reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that all medicines and medical supplies in our care remain potent, secure, and readily available,” Ogunyemi stated.

She emphasized 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.

Ogunyemi further expressed gratitude to partners, stakeholders, and healthcare professionals who contributed to the successful execution of the project. She said that the Lagos state government provided 15 percent counterpart funding for the upgrade, demonstrating its strong ownership and commitment to sustainable healthcare improvements.

In his remarks, Olusegun Ogboye, permanent secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, acknowledged the transformation of the LSMS from its previously dilapidated state to a world-class medical storage facility.

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“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,” he said, commending the dedication of 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 urged.

Delivering a presentation on the Pharmagrade Warehouse Project, Oyebisi Omolambe, director of Pharmaceutical Services 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.

The total storage capacity of the new warehouses is 1,136.52m², with 272 racks and 1,632 pallet spaces, she said.

The warehouse is equipped with cooling systems, security cameras, controlled access points, emergency exits, fire suppression systems, and epoxy flooring to ensure optimal safety and efficiency.

She however called for additional infrastructure support, including a higher-capacity transformer, additional generators, and more shelving units to maximize storage space.

Abiodun Omoloja, coordinator of the Global Fund Grant Management Unit, commended the Lagos State Government, disclosing that additional renovations are underway for Stores G and F to further strengthen medical storage and distribution capacity in the state.