By: Joseph Momoh, Reporter, D.S
The Managing Director of the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA), Jatu J. Abdulai, has issued a stern warning that anyone caught selling drugs under the Free Health Care initiative will face legal repercussions.
During a media briefing at the NMSA’s headquarters in Murray Town, Freetown, Abdulai emphasized the significance of the Free Health Care program and the agency’s critical involvement in its implementation. The initiative, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), UNICEF, the World Bank, and the Global Fund, collaborates with the Ministry of Health to provide essential medications to vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities, pregnant and lactating mothers, children under five, and survivors of Ebola and COVID-19.
“Once the drugs for STIs and reproductive health are delivered to health facilities, they must be provided to patients free of charge,” Abdulai stated firmly. “Anyone found selling these drugs will face legal action.”
She elaborated on NMSA’s responsibilities, which include procuring, storing, and distributing medical supplies throughout Sierra Leone. Since its inception in 2018, the agency has been pivotal in ensuring public health facilities have the necessary medications and supplies to effectively care for the populace.
In addition to supporting public health institutions, the NMSA facilitates procurement for other organizations requiring medical supplies for their personnel. Abdulai noted that the agency maintains central storage facilities in Freetown and regularly distributes supplies to health facilities across the nation.
“The Free Health Care distribution occurs four times a year,” Abdulai explained, highlighting the recent integrated distribution in February 2025, which included drugs for HIV, Malaria, and Tuberculosis. These were delivered to 24 government hospitals and 16 district medical stores, with plans for repackaging and dispatch to peripheral health units.
Additionally, Abdulai reported that the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital and Ola During Children’s Hospital in Freetown received their supplies last Friday, with further distribution set to continue until May 2025.
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