Management of Strategic Health Product Inventories

Within Santé publique France, the Pharmaceutical Supply Unit manages the strategic stockpile of medicines and health products on behalf of the government. Its role is to procure, store, and, where necessary, organize the distribution of the necessary products specified in the national health threat response plans (Article L 1413-4 of the Public Health Code).

These stockpiles are distributed throughout the country according to a master plan for storage and distribution that ensures both their security and their equitable distribution across the country. These stockpiles are held within:

  • a national platform, which belongs to Santé publique France;

  • storage hubs located in each of the 7 defense zones, serving both as permanent storage facilities and as temporary storage facilities in the event of an exceptional public health situation;

  • where applicable, a departmental network of pharmaceutical distribution facilities.

Focus on strategic stockpiles for responding to exceptional health situations

The government’s strategic stockpile consists of approximately 250,000 pallets containing:

  • medications: antivirals, antidotes, antibiotics, etc.;

  • medical devices: surgical masks, personal protective equipment (PPE), etc.;

  • small supplies: racks, files, pipettes, etc.;

  • consumables: compresses, etc.

This stockpile helps address:

  • biological, chemical, or radiological risks;

  • accidental risks of radioactive contamination;

  • large-scale epidemic threats (pandemics).