Maiduguri, Borno State – The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has inaugurated the first pharma-grade medical storage facility in the North-East region. The upgraded Central Medical Store, located in Maiduguri, Borno State, is part of a broader initiative to enhance healthcare infrastructure across the region.
The N500 million project, inspected on Sunday, marks a significant milestone in the commission’s efforts to address critical challenges in health, education, and security under its 11-pillar master plan. Speaking to journalists during the inspection, the NEDC Managing Director, Goni Alkali, described the facility as “one of its kind in the North-East,” designed to ensure the safety of medical supplies, including vaccines and essential drugs.
“This storage facility is a complex, pharma-grade upgrade to the Central Medical Store in Borno State. It will play a key role in ensuring the safety and quality of drugs, vaccines, and other medical supplies,” Alkali stated.
Ongoing Projects in Maiduguri
The inspection also included other NEDC-led projects in Maiduguri, such as the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric, Eye, and Dental Hospital, the DSS headquarters, and various infrastructure projects. Alkali expressed satisfaction with the progress of these projects, noting that most were completed or nearing completion.
He emphasized that the NEDC is committed to addressing poverty, illiteracy, and ecological challenges while replicating similar projects across all North-Eastern states.
Boosting Healthcare in Borno State
Borno State’s Commissioner for Health and Human Resources, Baba Gana, praised the upgraded facility as a game-changer for healthcare delivery in the state.
“The upgraded facility features a 24/7 solar power system, CCTV surveillance, and a digital monitoring system for real-time tracking of drug movements. This enables us to store any drug, including vaccines, in a secure and temperature-controlled environment,” Gana said.
He added that the facility’s upgrade will reduce drug pilferage, improve access to quality medicines, and ensure secure storage. Plans are underway to replicate similar facilities in all senatorial districts of Borno, ensuring easier access to healthcare for residents in remote areas.
Gana also noted that other states in the region have shown interest in replicating the Maiduguri facility, with discussions underway to fast-track their own healthcare infrastructure projects.
Addressing Regional Challenges
The NEDC’s projects aim to enhance the quality of life for people in the North-East by tackling health and education deficits, as well as promoting economic stability and security. The inauguration of this pharma-grade facility underscores the commission’s commitment to transforming healthcare delivery and improving the well-being of the region’s residents.
The facility stands as a model for innovation and collaboration in rebuilding the North-East and ensuring sustainable development.