Dr. Ibrahim Bashir

Championing Effective Healthcare Delivery at the State House Medical Centre, Abuja

“My commitment to improving public health service delivery in the State House and in Nigeria at large inspired me to apply for the AIG Public Leaders Programme. Since completing the programme, I have successfully led the implementation of a medical supply inventory management system, enhancing the tracking, forecasting, and distribution of essential medicines and supplies.” - Dr. Ibrahim Bashir, Consultant Physician and Deputy Director of Public Health, State House, Abuja.

Dr. Ibrahim Bashir, a Consultant Physician and Deputy Director of Public Health at the State House Medical Centre has long been a champion of effective healthcare delivery. As the team lead for medical response during the COVID-19 pandemic, he witnessed firsthand the critical role of strong leadership in addressing complex healthcare challenges. Driven by a commitment to improving public health services, Dr. Bashir joined the inaugural cohort of the AIG Public Leaders Programme (AIG PLP), a decision that has since transformed his approach to leadership and system reform.

“The programme provided a unique opportunity to refine my leadership skills, engage with experienced public sector reformers, and gain insights into best practices in governance and health system strengthening,” he shares.

Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Dr. Bashir highlights how it has shaped his leadership approach and his work in transforming healthcare systems.

“My participation in the AIG PLP significantly influenced my approach to strengthening health systems at the State House Medical Centre. Since completing the programme, I have successfully led the implementation of a medical supply inventory management system, improving the tracking, forecasting, and distribution of essential medicines and supplies. The leadership and stakeholder engagement skills I acquired enabled me to collaborate more effectively with key decision-makers, securing greater support for data-driven reforms in medical procurement and public health interventions.”

Dr. Bashir's reform project tackled critical challenges in the State House's medical supply inventory management through the strategic use of technology. By implementing a digital tracking system, he streamlined procurement processes, significantly reduced shortages, and enhanced transparency in stock usage. "One of the key achievements of this project has been the implementation of a digital tracking system that has streamlined procurement, reduced stockouts, and enhanced transparency in stock usage," he says. "We've seen a significant reduction in shortages of essential medicines and medical supplies, and a move away from cumbersome manual paperwork, leading to a more structured and efficient workflow."

Beyond immediate improvements, the project is designed for long-term impact. Over 100 healthcare personnel have been trained in inventory management and supply chain best practices, equipping them with the skills to sustain and expand these reforms. The initiative aligns with the State House’s broader digitisation efforts and is set to go live alongside the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system in April 2025.

“The project has garnered strong interest from State House top management, who are now more invested in technology-driven reforms,” Dr. Bashir shares. “It has also been incorporated into the 2024/2025 budget, ensuring its long-term sustainability.”

By reducing stockouts and procurement inefficiencies, the project has already improved access to medical supplies for patients at the State House Medical Centre, including government workers and their families. If scaled across government hospitals, this initiative has the potential to enhance the availability of medicines for millions of Nigerians, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the nation’s healthcare system.

Dr. Bashir’s work is a testament to the power of leadership, innovation, and collaboration in driving meaningful change. His story inspires us to continue pushing for reforms that create lasting impact in public service delivery.