In his remarks, the Project Director, USAID/SIAPS – Management Services on Health (MHS), Mr. MurtadaSesay, described SIAPS as a global programme geared towards strengthening pharmaceutical systems.
He said in Sierra Leone the programme was established as part of the Post-Ebola Recovery Plan, adding that SIAPS programme is significant in the health sector with emphasis on three pillars among which is central governance.
He informed his audience that after the completion of the organizational structure in the Directorate of Drugs and Medical Supplies, they thought it fit to support them in leadership and governance, and appealed to the District Medical Officers and Medical Superintendents to continue not only to support but to extend cordial working relationship with pharmacists to respond to the health service needs of the country.
The Director of Drugs and Medical Supplies, Mr. BassieTuray said pharmaceutical sector being core aspect of the health care delivery service of the country developed its own Pharmaceutical Master Plan towards the future of the country for any emergency that may occur.
He reiterated that among the key areas of support needed by the Directorate is to look at the structures they have and resources available locally to prepare for the future, and come up with a five years key component called the Pharmaceutical Administration Management.
Mr. Turay noted that the first priority is the structures governing the pharmaceutical sector particularly so within the Ministry, partners and programmes where pharmaceutical services are crucial and needs support, coordination and oversight.
Giving a brief history, the Director of Drugs said the Directorate started with five Pharmacists and later increase to about 15, adding that they can now boast of over 30 Pharmacists in the entire country.
He stated that the coming of USAID in assisting to re-develop the health sector to a resilient health status that brought the involvement of Management Sciences on Health (MHS) is commendable and expressed gratitude for their support.
Giving an overview of the Leadership Development Programme, the Consultant, Trainer and Coach-Leadership, Management and Governance, WawiraMunyi said the Leadership Development Programme (LDP) is a performance improved approach that results in stronger management systems, patient services and staff teams.
She said it is a step-by-step process for staff to analyze their situation and work together more effectively to overcome their challenges. She added that the LDP is a practical transformational process that creates possibility catalytic change and transform individual behavior both at the workplace and homes.
WawiraMunyi said Leadership, Management and Governance project is a sustainable health outcomes and impact aligned with national health goals and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 3, 4, 5 and 6, and the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) 3 and 5.
Other highlights include video on Seeds of Success, demonstration on the practices leading and managing, and an inquiry on the practices of good governance.