Sierra Leone begins distributing Free Medical Supplies nationwide

The National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) started distributing free healthcare commodities valued at US$528,289.45 across Sierra Leone.

The agency launched the distribution at the NMSA Central Medical Stores in Ferry Junction to provide essential medicines for the third and fourth quarters of 2026. The government plans to deliver these supplies to public hospitals, district medical stores, and selected private and faith-based hospitals.

These facilities will then pass the supplies to Primary Healthcare Units to reach people in rural and urban areas. The project aims to improve the healthcare supply chain and reduce medicine shortages at local clinics. The distribution supports the Free Healthcare Programme, which provides medical services to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children under five, people with disabilities, and survivors of Ebola and COVID-19.

The United Kingdom Government through its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UNICEF, and the Government of Sierra Leone provide the financial and technical support for this initiative. The NMSA warned that these supplies are strictly for eligible patients and must not be sold. The agency stated that it will apply legal sanctions and penalties against any individuals or health facilities that attempt to sell the free commodities.