Health Services & Supplies Quality Control Directorate
The Health Services & Supplies Quality Control Directorate acts as the regulatory and standard-bearing arm of the Dire Dawa Health Bureau. We are dedicated to safeguarding public health by ensuring that all health services delivered across the region meet rigorous national standards, and that all pharmaceuticals and medical supplies procured, stored, and administered are safe, effective, and of high quality.
Our Mandate
Our mandate is to protect the public from substandard health services and unsafe medical products. We achieve this by enforcing regulatory compliance, conducting rigorous inspections of health facilities and pharmacies, overseeing the licensing of pharmaceutical establishments, and promoting the rational use of medicines. We ensure that the supply chain—from procurement to the final point of care—is secure and reliable.
Strategic Objectives
- Ensure all public and private health facilities comply with national healthcare quality and safety standards.
- Regulate the licensing, importation, and distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
- Combat the proliferation of substandard and falsified medical products in the region.
- Promote rational drug use among healthcare providers and the general public to prevent antimicrobial resistance.
- Monitor and improve the maintenance and inventory management of medical equipment and supplies.
Key Programs & Services
To achieve our mandate, the directorate oversees several specialized teams focused on regulation, quality assurance, and supply chain integrity:
Inspection, Licensing & Supply Quality Control
Conducts routine and surprise inspections of pharmacies, drug vendors, and health facilities. This team verifies regulatory compliance, issues operational licenses, and tests medical supplies to ensure they meet required safety benchmarks before reaching patients.
Pharmacy Service Improvement & Rational Drug Use
Works closely with healthcare providers to enhance pharmacy services. This team develops guidelines to ensure medicines are prescribed, dispensed, and used rationally, minimizing medication errors and reducing the risk of drug resistance.
Pharmaceuticals & Medical Supplies Admin & Maintenance
Oversees the administrative and logistical aspects of the medical supply chain. The team ensures proper storage conditions, manages inventory databases, and coordinates the preventive and corrective maintenance of critical medical equipment across regional facilities.
Directorate Leadership
Dr. Selamawit Girma
Dr. Selamawit Girma is a clinical pharmacist and regulatory affairs specialist with over 16 years of experience in healthcare quality management. Before her appointment as Director, she served as the Regional Drug Information Coordinator, where she played a pivotal role in establishing pharmacovigilance systems and antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Holding a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and a Master's in Health Economics, Dr. Selamawit is a fierce advocate for patient safety. She works tirelessly to bridge the gap between regulatory frameworks and daily clinical practice.
"Quality in healthcare is not a luxury; it is a fundamental patient right. Every pill dispensed and every service rendered must meet the highest standard of safety and efficacy, leaving no room for compromise."