The Chief Medical Director of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, Dr. Terungwa Stephen Hwande, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, held a strategic interactive session with representatives of more than 25 leading pharmaceutical companies to strengthen hospital operations and deepen partnerships.
The meeting, which focused on the newly completed pharmaco-surgical complex, was described as highly productive. Discussions centered on drug and consumables supply modules, flexible payment structures, and building sustainable partnerships to enhance service delivery.
Dr. Hwande emphasized that the state-of-the-art facility, equipped with a cold room for proper drug storage and preservation, was designed to meet international standards. He stressed that only high-quality pharmaceutical products would be accepted, noting that all drugs must undergo strict compliance testing before reaching patients.
The CMD assured partners that procurement processes would be transparent, efficient, and accountable, adding that the new complex would significantly improve healthcare delivery not only in Benue but also across the region. He further announced plans to introduce a paperless prescription policy through a computerized automated system, which would allow doctors’ prescriptions to be transmitted directly to the hospital pharmacy.
The innovation, he said, would eliminate the risks of patients resorting to substandard or poorly preserved drugs from outside sources.
The session was attended by key hospital officials, including the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Michael Agbir; Director of Administration, Cynthia Orjime; Director of Finance, Mr. Michael Abah; and Head of Nursing Services, Mr. Pius Damkor. Others present were the HOD Works, Engr. Undu Abenga; HOD Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Titus Gbenyi; Head of Pharmacy, Pharm. Maria Unaji; and the Unit Heads of the pharmaco-surgical complex.
Their collective input, alongside that of the pharmaceutical stakeholders, shaped what Dr. Hwande described as a new collaborative model to improve patient care and ensure safe, effective access to medications in the state.
