National Status of Medicines and Medical Supplies
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) wishes to inform the nation of the current status of medicines and medical supplies across the country.
Current Stock and Supply Chain at the National Medical Stores
The availability of essential medicines currently stands at 83.5 percent, ensuring continuity of critical services across the country. Since January 2026, the Ministry has successfully received 9 shipping containers, with 13 currently being cleared at the wharf and another 5 in transit. Before the end of 2026, an additional 15 containers are projected to arrive, further strengthening supply security.
However, reagents are currently critically low of stock, but a purchase order has already been made and it will arrive in a next available flight.
To date, the Ministry has distributed SBD 36 million worth of medicines and supplies to Second Level Medical Stores in the provinces, ensuring that communities continue to access vital health commodities.
National Quantification and Future Planning
The Ministry has completed the National Quantification Exercise for the 2026/2027 Procurement Cycle, engaging a dedicated Quantification Team and consulting 19 departments and programs. This inclusive process ensures that procurement decisions reflect national priorities and the needs of our people.
The Ministry is also in the process of reviewing its Pre-Qualification process (PQ) for the shortlisting of potential suppliers of drugs and dressings to ensure there is more competitive approach conducted for more wider response from suppliers both within the region and globally. This includes the establishment of supplies from state-owned manufacturers through the recently established MoU between SIG and India with other opportunities as well to explore within the region such as China.
With increased budgetary support, the Ministry is preparing for 100 percent availability of critical items from 2027 onwards, a milestone that will significantly strengthen our health system and resilience against future challenges.
Addressing Distribution Challenges While stock availability at the National Medical Stores remains strong, the Ministry acknowledges that the “last mile distribution”—delivering medicines to rural and remote health facilities—remains our greatest challenge. To ensure some of these challenges are addressed, the ministry has set aside funds to conduct bulk procurement for boats, OBM and vehicles for Provincial SLMS (Second level medical Stores) to support and strengthen last mile delivery down to rural facilities. Also, we are actively working with local shipping agents, vendors, and provincial staff to overcome these barriers and ensure that no community is left behind.
The Ministry reaffirms its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and service delivery. Through strengthened procurement, improved logistics, and collaborative partnerships, we are building a health system that ensures every Solomon Islander has access to essential medicines when they need them most.
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