Anambra State Governor, Wilie Obiano, has commissioned a state of the art Drug Quality Control Laboratory and Drug Information Center in Awka, the state capital.

Governor Obiano, said during the commissioning, that his intervention in the health sector with regard to quality drugs and medical supplies will not only guarantee improved health for the citizenry, but would also reduce capital flight as a result of huge cost of treating diseases without result.

Being the first of its kind in the south east region of Nigeria, the governor said the Laboratory would ensure that the drugs that go the various health institutions in the state both private and public would be duly tested and certified safe for the people.

He also assured the people of the state of his commitment towards providing quality healthcare, noting that it would be unequalled having earmarked millions of naira for the upgrade of the 37 General Hospitals in the state.

Fifteen of the hospitals have been selected and are already being reconstructed in the first phase of the upgrade to be completed in the next six months.

Governor Obiano also inspected the knee replacement surgery ongoing in the State Teaching Hospital, sponsored by an abroad based doctor from the state.

He then commended the sponsor and called on other indigenous citizens to bring their profession and expertise home for proper development.

He further revealed his plans for the sustenance of an healthcare delivery in the state, which includes the establishment of adequate infrastructure, improved welfare for patients and also training and welfare of doctors and nurses.

The State Health Commissioner, Dr. Joe Akabuike, and the State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Sule Momodu, both maintained that the project commissioned was a proactive step to quell the spate of diagnostic and treatment failures, despite the efforts of the regulatory agencies to curb the circulation of fake drugs.

Governor Obiano also expressed optimism that with all the measures in place, the era of fake drugs and unnecessary deaths in the state will be brought to an end.