The Federal Government has initiated the digitalisation of hospital inventories to enhance transparency, reduce waste, and prevent the theft of drugs and consumables in health facilities nationwide.

The initiative, anchored on a digitalised consignment model, is aimed at ending the persistent “stock-out syndrome” in federal tertiary hospitals and ensuring reliable distribution of medicines.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, said the project aligns with the national strategy for supply chain management of essential drugs.

She expressed confidence that with stakeholder buy-in, the move would improve the availability and affordability of medicines, advancing universal health coverage for Nigerians.

Kachollom urged the Departments of Food and Drugs Services and Hospital Services to work closely with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and other stakeholders to identify gaps in the new digital supply chain system.

The Director of Hospital Services, Dr Salaudeen Jimoh, explained that the digitalisation drive is designed to strengthen service delivery, eliminate stockouts, and ensure affordability while plugging existing supply chain gaps. “The goal is to strengthen service delivery, introduce a digitalised consignment model for essential medicines, and promote stakeholder collaboration,” he said.

Director of Food and Drugs Services, Yakubu James, reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to sustaining stakeholder engagement and ensuring the initiative remains aligned with the national supply chain strategy.

Chairman of the Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) Committee, Prof. Eme Bassey, however, pointed out challenges around managing hospital stock, dynamic drug inventories, and urgent patient needs that cannot tolerate long procurement timelines.