By Catherine K Conteh
BOPOLU, GBARPOLU COUNTY, May 25 (LINA) – In a major step toward reviving essential drug supply systems in Gbarpolu County, more than 70 healthcare professionals have undergone intensive training to lead the rollout of the Community Pharmacy and Drug Revolving Fund (RDF) scheme—a critical initiative aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery through sustainable cost-sharing.
Held at Emirates Hospital in Bopolu recently, the one-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop brought together a cross-section of health sector actors, including nurses, midwives, laboratory technicians, pharmacists, physician assistants, accountants, hospital administrators, and local authorities.
The training focused on equipping participants with core competencies in financial accountability, managerial efficiency, and sustainability practices under the RDF model.
The workshop marks a preparatory milestone ahead of the official launch of the RDF/Community Pharmacy Scheme, a cost-recovery initiative that allows facilities to stock and resupply essential medicines through modest user contributions and transparent financial oversight.
Speaking during the training, Dr. Raphael O. Shamavu, National Coordinator of the RDF/Community Pharmacy Program, underscored the importance of local ownership in ensuring the initiative’s sustainability.
“This is a transformative model for health financing,” Dr. Shamavu said in his opening remarks. “It ensures access to affordable medicines while enabling facilities to sustain their supply. But success depends entirely on how responsibly we manage and protect it.”
He urged participants to view the initiative as a shared community responsibility, warning against the mismanagement that had led to past failures. “Think of the RDF as a newborn—fragile but full of potential. Let’s nurture it to prevent drug shortages in Gbarpolu.”
For his part, Gbarpolu County Health Officer Dr. Kezelebah S. Goyah echoed those sentiments, highlighting the historical roots of the RDF system.
“This isn’t a new concept—it’s a revival,” Dr. Goyah said. “Before the civil war, RDFs helped keep our facilities stocked. Conflict and economic collapse disrupted that system. With donor support now receding, this is our chance to reclaim ownership and restore stability to our health services.”
He noted that the RDF/Community Pharmacy Scheme operates on a simple but effective principle: medications are sold at minimal cost, with revenues directly reinvested to restock supplies.
By placing communities at the center of the system, he said, it aims to prevent drug stockouts and improve service delivery, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
As Gbarpolu prepares to reintroduce the RDF across its health facilities, he believes that the training has laid a strong foundation for accountable and community-driven healthcare management.
