The Ministry of Health and Food Safety, through the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration, has circulated instructions to all local levels on the management of medicines and medical supplies. The directive asks municipalities and rural municipalities to ensure that health institutions under their jurisdiction distribute medicines included in the government-approved list free of cost and maintain adequate stocks throughout the year.

The attached document contains an extensive list of medicines to be maintained at different levels of public health facilities. It covers commonly required medicines for infections, pain and fever, gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory conditions, chronic diseases and other routine health needs, with availability requirements varying according to the type and level of health institution.

The government has also included a separate list of medical and clinical supplies, such as absorbent cotton, adhesive tape, bandages, gauze, disposable syringes, surgical gloves, surgical blades, catheters, antiseptic materials and suture-related equipment. Local governments are expected to manage procurement, storage and distribution so shortages do not interrupt basic health services.

The directive is aimed at strengthening access to essential healthcare at the community level by ensuring that medicines and basic medical materials intended for free public distribution remain consistently available in government health facilities.