Gov Alia determined to build people-centred healthcare system in Benue – Commissioner 

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ogwuche, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia–led administration to building a resilient, people-centred, and future-ready healthcare system for overall benefits of Benue citizens.

Dr. Ogwuche gave this assurance while receiving members of the Benue State Pharmaceutical Inspection Committee (PIC) and the Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors Licensing Committee (PPMVLC) paid him a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Makurdi.

The team was led by the Pharmaceutical Inspection Committee, Benue state chairperson, Pharmacist Regina Mngohol Chichi-Agir, included

 ⁠Pharm. Cyprian Terungwa Njoalu (PSN Benue State branch Chairman), ⁠Pharm. Christopher Onoja ( Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Benue State branch) and ⁠Pharm. Hawa P. Nyigba (Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Benue State officer)

Ogwuche, described pharmacists and pharmaceutical regulators as critical partners in the realization of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s transformative vision for the health sector.

 He commended the association’s professionalism, dedication, and regulatory oversight, noting that effective drug regulation remains a cornerstone of quality healthcare delivery.

Ogwuche therefore emphasized that the Alia administration is not driven by rhetoric, but by results,as evident in the ongoing reforms, system strengthening, and institutional rebuilding across the health sector. 

He stressed that these gains would not have been possible without the collective efforts of health professionals and regulatory bodies working in synergy with the government.

The Commissioner further appealed for deeper collaboration between the State Ministry of Health and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), assuring that his Ministry remains open to partnerships that protect the people from fake and counterfeit medicines, promote rational drug use, and enhance service delivery, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

“I want to call on all stakeholders, professionals, traditional institutions, and the general public to rally round the Governor, support his administration, and queue behind his reform agenda in order to deliver even greater democratic dividends to the people of Benue State”, he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Benue State Pharmaceutical Inspection Committee   Pharmacist Regina Mngohol Chichi-Agir  explained that the two visiting statutory committees of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria are charged with regulating pharmaceutical practice, inspecting premises, licensing medicine vendors, and safeguarding public health across the state.

 She outlined the committees’ contributions to public safety and revenue generation, while also drawing attention to challenges such as funding constraints, insecurity, proliferation of unregistered medicine shops, and the urgent need for a functional State Taskforce on Fake and Counterfeit Drugs.

The Chairman used the opportunity to commend Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for his bold leadership, people-oriented policies, and renewed focus on governance with impact, describing the Governor as a leader laying solid foundations for sustainable development and generational benefits in Benue State.

The delegation expressed confidence in the leadership of Paul Ogwuche, describing him as a focused technocrat whose stewardship at the Ministry of Health continues to translate the Governor’s vision into practical outcomes.

The associations reiterated their shared commitment to public health, regulatory excellence, and the overall wellbeing of the people of Benue State.