FG Launches Digital Drug Inventory Model to End ‘Stock-out Syndrome’ in Hospitals

The Federal Government has introduced a new digitalised drug inventory model to curb shortages, reduce costs, and ensure essential medicines remain available in federal hospitals.

The Federal Government has unveiled a new digitalised inventory consignment model to tackle persistent shortages and high costs of essential medicines in federal and national hospitals.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom mni, said the initiative aligns with the national supply chain strategy for essential drugs and is aimed at ensuring availability, affordability, and transparency in the health system.

She urged relevant departments of the ministry to work closely with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and other stakeholders to close gaps in drug supply, stressing that the ultimate goal is to “save lives, reduce both physical and financial pain, and provide health for all Nigerians.”

Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh mni, Director of the Hospital Services Department, explained that the system will reduce costs, strengthen service delivery, and eliminate inefficiencies in the current supply chain. “Once we go into this partnership, it will be better for all Nigerians,” he noted.

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Other speakers, including representatives of the Food and Drugs Services Department and the Chief Medical Directors’ (CMDs) Committee, highlighted the benefits of digitalisation in addressing delays, theft, waste, and mismanagement of hospital inventories. CMD Committee Chair, Prof. Eme Bassey, particularly stressed the need for transparency and timely access to urgently required drugs.

The highpoint of the session was an interactive engagement featuring ministry officials, CMDs, Pharmacy Council representatives, and other stakeholders. They affirmed that the new digital model would eliminate the recurring “stock-out syndrome” in hospitals and transform the management of essential medicines nationwide.

According to the government, with stakeholders’ support, the initiative is expected to strengthen drug availability and affordability, advancing Nigeria’s goal of universal health coverage.