By Pharm. Dango, Zainab Purdi
Drugs and Medical Consumables Management Agency (DMMA), Bauchi State
When I enrolled in the CIPS Level 4 Qualification Programme, I knew it would enhance my procurement knowledge—but I didn’t anticipate just how transformative it would be for my work and the healthcare facility I manage.
As a pharmacist with the Bauchi State Hospital Management Board, I oversee pharmacy operations at General Hospital Toro and serve as the Coordinator/Secretary of the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) Committee. The DRF scheme is designed to ensure sustainable access to medicines by providing healthcare facilities with seed stock of drugs and medical supplies, applying a small markup for administrative costs. The success of this scheme depends on efficient procurement and stakeholder buy-in.
The Challenge
When I resumed duty in January 2024, I noticed low patronage at the facility pharmacy and resistance to the DRF scheme. Some stakeholders viewed it as “a pharmacist thing,” which threatened its sustainability. I knew change was needed—and my CIPS training gave me the tools to make it happen.
Strategic Actions Inspired by CIPS Training
1. Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement
Using the Stakeholder Management Matrix from CIPS Level 4, I identified key influencers and developed a communication strategy to secure their support. Top management became active champions of the scheme, while community sensitisation improved patient acceptance.
2. Need-Based Procurement
I applied demand forecasting and specification development to reduce wastage and expiry. The results? Expired stock dropped by 92%, from ₦653,100 ($450.41) in 2024 to ₦54,250 ($37.41) in 2025—with zero expiry reported in the last four months.
3. Cost Savings Through Aggregated Procurement
By leveraging economies of scale via the DMMA, we achieved cost-effective procurement without compromising quality, reducing delivery costs and ensuring timely supply.
4. Supplier Relationship Management
The CIPS training helped me support the agency in forming strategic partnerships and MOUs with suppliers, guaranteeing continuity of supply and cost efficiency.
5. Advocacy for Ethical & Sustainable Procurement
Procurement isn’t just about buying products—it’s about creating value ethically. We implemented transparent processes that positively impact people, the planet, and profit.
The Impact
Medicine sales at the facility grew from ₦2.5 million ($1,724.14) (Jan 2024) to ₦4 million ($2,758.62) (Sept 2025)—a 60% increase.
Procurement volume from DMMA rose from ₦3.5 million ($2,413.79) to ₦7 million ($4,827.59), earning the facility the Best Procurement Volume Award (2025).
Improved patient satisfaction and healthcare outcomes, thanks to consistent availability of medicines.
Final Thoughts
The CIPS Level 4 programme didn’t just teach me procurement principles—it empowered me to drive real change. Today, our facility is thriving, patients are happier, and the DRF scheme is stronger than ever. This is the power of professional development in action.
Endorsed by: Abdulkadir Ahmed , Managing Director , Bauchi State Drugs and Medical Consumables Management Agency (DMMA)