The Cross River State House of Assembly has rescinded the 2002 Essential Drugs Programme Law and enacted the State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency Bill, 2025, into law.
The bill, sponsored by Mr Hillary Bisong, Member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, was first introduced during plenary on 12 September 2024. It progressed to a second reading and was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security for further deliberation.
While presenting the bill, Mr Bisong, who also chairs the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had launched the global Essential Drugs Programme in 1981. Cross River State adopted the programme in 2002.
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He explained that although key aspects of the original law had been retained, the newly enacted legislation provides a more comprehensive and contemporary structure
“This law transitions from a programme-based structure to a full agency model, thereby broadening its mandate to address the evolving needs of healthcare delivery,” he said.
He added that the new agency would be responsible for enforcing standards related to drug management, distribution, and the regulation of health commodities across the state.
During deliberations, members of the Assembly unanimously backed the bill, maintaining that the agency would enhance the performance of the state’s health insurance scheme and create employment opportunities.
Expressing satisfaction at the bill’s passage, Speaker of the House, Mr Elvert Ayambem, reiterated the 10th Assembly’s commitment to delivering good governance through legislation focused on the needs of the people.
