The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the Essential Drugs Programme Law of 2002 and passed the State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency Bill, 2025, marking a major shift in the state’s approach to healthcare logistics and drug regulation.
The new law, sponsored by Mr. Hillary Bisong, who represents Boki 2 State Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Health, Nutrition, and Food Security, was introduced during a plenary session on September 12, 2024. It was subsequently reviewed and refined by the Health Committee before being passed into law.
According to Bisong, the new legislation represents a transition from a program-based model to a more structured agency framework that aligns with present-day healthcare demands.
“The law has transitioned from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, expanding its scope of operation to meet current healthcare delivery realities,” he said.
He noted that while certain aspects of the 2002 law—based on the World Health Organization’s Essential Drugs Programme—have been retained, the new law offers a more comprehensive mandate.
The newly established agency will be responsible for:
Enforcing standards in the management and distribution of drugs and health commodities
Overseeing the circulation of medicines across all parts of the state
Strengthening the existing health insurance scheme
Creating employment opportunities within the health sector
Lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, describing it as a timely reform to ensure access to quality and affordable medicines across the state.
House Speaker Mr. Elvert Ayambem commended the legislative milestone, stating that the 10th Assembly remains committed to enacting people-centered policies that promote good governance.
“This law reflects our commitment to improving healthcare access, affordability, and efficiency across Cross River State,” he said.
The repealed Essential Drugs Programme Law of 2002 was originally enacted to facilitate equitable access to essential medicines and regulate drug prices in the state. It also established a system for ensuring medicines reached underserved areas and were sold at affordable prices.
However, stakeholders have long called for an updated legal framework to address challenges in drug distribution, pricing, and quality assurance in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.