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| Pharm.Ghali Sule |
Pharm. Ghali Sule, Director General of the Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) in Kano State, shares insights into the agency’s transformation, achievements, and the renewed commitment to quality and affordable healthcare delivery.
In July 2023, Pharm. Ghali Sule was appointed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as the Director General of Kano State’s Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA). Since then, he has led a wave of reforms focused on transparency, efficiency, and sustainability. In this conversation, he discusses the agency’s mission, vision, and the ongoing efforts to make essential medicines accessible and affordable across the state.
Editor’s Note: This interview was conducted on January 21, 2025. Since then, several of the initiatives and visions mentioned by Pharm. Ghali Sule — including the upgrade of the Drug Manufacturing Unit (DMU) and improvements in drug availability — have already been successfully achieved by the agency.
Leading the Charge
Interviewer: Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us how you came to lead the DMCSA?
Pharm. Ghali Sule: Bismillahi Rahmanirrahim. My name is Pharm. Ghali Sule, the Director General of the Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, Kano State. I was appointed to head the agency by His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, on the 17th of July, 2023.
Mandate and Responsibilities
Interviewer: What are the main functions and responsibilities of the agency?
Pharm. Ghali Sule: The agency was established by the Kano State Government in 2009, with the approval of the State House of Assembly, to source and supply drugs and medical consumables to public healthcare facilities. Our primary responsibility is ensuring that these commodities are affordable, high-quality, and consistently available — which is key to improving healthcare delivery across the state. The DMCSA operates as an integral part of the Ministry of Health.
“Our mission is simple — to make quality and affordable drugs available to every patient in Kano’s public healthcare facilities.”
Vision for a Stronger Agency
Interviewer: What is your vision for the agency under your leadership?
Pharm. Ghali Sule: Our main goal is to ensure the continuous supply of affordable, high-quality medicines to the people of Kano State. We work with both local and international suppliers, and we also have our own Drug Manufacturing Unit (DMU), which is currently being remodeled and upgraded.
Our plan is to expand the DMU into two sections: an external manufacturing unit located within the DMCSA and an oral preparations section at our Madobi site. We aim to achieve this within the first tenure of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. We also intend for the DMU to serve as a training center for pharmacy students and professionals from universities and the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists.
Improving Healthcare Delivery
Interviewer: How is the DMCSA contributing to better healthcare outcomes in Kano State?
Pharm. Ghali Sule: When we came on board in 2023, the availability of essential drugs in public facilities was about 30%. Today, that figure has risen to over 96% across all government-owned facilities. This achievement is a result of our commitment to transparent and competitive procurement practices.
“Drug availability in Kano’s public facilities rose from 30% to over 96% — a milestone we’re proud of.”
We’ve implemented an international best-practice tendering system, now accounting for 76% of our procurement. Our goal is to reach the 80%-20% ratio between tender and emergency procurement, ensuring both affordability and quality. This reform has made drug prices in Kano’s public facilities about 40% cheaper compared to before.
Ensuring Quality and Transparency
Interviewer: How do you ensure affordability and quality in your procurement process?
Pharm. Ghali Sule: The agency follows an 80%-20% framework — 80% through open tender and 20% for emergencies. When we assumed office, this was reversed, with 80% emergency purchases. We’ve since restored order.
The tender process is transparent, competitive, and accountable. We advertise in national dailies, prequalify registered pharmaceutical companies, and evaluate bids openly. This process not only reduces costs but enhances quality control.
“Through transparency and open tendering, drug prices in Kano’s public facilities are now about 40% cheaper.”
We’re also upgrading our Quality Control unit to perform confirmatory tests on all procured products to guarantee they meet required standards.
Tackling Counterfeit Drugs
Interviewer: Counterfeit and substandard drugs remain a challenge in Nigeria. How does the DMCSA handle this?
Pharm. Ghali Sule: We have a strict prequalification process for all suppliers. Only companies registered with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and NAFDAC are considered. We also conduct physical inspections of suppliers’ facilities to ensure full regulatory compliance. Additionally, our revamped laboratory will help us verify the authenticity and quality of all products before distribution.
Building Capacity and Partnerships
Interviewer: Are there opportunities for students or interns to work with the agency?
Pharm. Ghali Sule: Currently, the agency isn’t yet approved by PCN as an internship center, but that will change after our ongoing upgrades. We already collaborate with Bayero University Kano’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, allowing students to visit our DMU for practical learning. The West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists has also recognized us as a training center.
Overcoming Challenges
Interviewer: What challenges has the agency faced, and how have you addressed them?
Pharm. Ghali Sule: When we assumed office in July 2023, the agency had a negative fund value of ₦102 million. We introduced the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) system, and by December 2024, our fund value grew to ₦231 million.
“From a negative ₦102 million, we turned the agency’s finances around to a positive ₦231 million within a year.”
We also cleared about 70% of the five-year backlog of supplier debts. These achievements were possible thanks to the strong support of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, and His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Words to Young Professionals
Interviewer: What message would you share with pharmacy students and young healthcare professionals?
Pharm. Ghali Sule: My advice is to always remember that healthcare is a humanitarian service, not just a career. Be dedicated, uphold professional ethics, and give your best wherever you find yourself.
Under Pharm. Ghali Sule’s leadership, the DMCSA is redefining accountability and efficiency in public health supply systems. With clear goals, transparent practices, and a commitment to education and quality, the agency stands as a promising model for sustainable healthcare management in Nigeria.
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