Section 12, The National Medical Supplies Agency Act, 2017

(1) The Agency shall have exclusive responsibility forthe procurement, warehousing and distribution of drugs and medical supplies in a transparent and cost-effective manner for and on behalf of all public institutions throughout Sierra Leone. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) it shall be the responsibility of the Agency to– (a) procure and where necessary sell medical supplies of requisite quality and efficacy consistent with the pharmacy act as requested by the Ministry and other public bodies. (b) establish and maintain strict inventory, control and security protocols within the Agency’s and other storage facilities under the control and supervision of the Agency; (c) provide suitable storage and packaging of medical supplies procured by the Agency in accordance with the control and security protocols referred to in paragraph (b); (d) distribute, procure or donate medical supplies to all Government health facilities and other public bodies as requested by the Ministry; (e) maintain vehicles and other means of transport for the distribution of medical supplies; 8 9 Remuneration of members. Filling of Vacanies. Functions of the Agency.Functions and Powers of Board. No. 11 National Medical Supplies Agency Act 2017No. 11 National Medical Supplies Agency Act 2017 (f) engage, train and maintain the requisite number and quality of staff in order to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Agency; (g) collect information and report accurately and systematically on its stock status and costeffectiveness of its operations; (h) store or distribute medical supplies for the private sector or non -profit sector, for payment, subject to the approval of the Board; and (i) do all things as are necessary, expedient or conducive to the attainment of the objects of the Agency. (3) The functions specified under subsection (2) shall be guided by the following principles– (a) transparency and accountability wherein decisions, records keeping, reports shall be transparent; (b) inclusiveness wherein concerns or interests of stakeholders shall be taken into account in arriving at decisions; (c) sustainability wherein financial sustainability shall be a major consideration in all key decisions. PART 1V–ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS