Healthcare stocks

The healthcare stockpile is divided into several separate types of stockpiles and their management is organised by several organisations in Estonia. For example, the Health Board takes care of the vaccine and antidote stockpile and arranges the maintenance of a stockpile of medicinal products used in hospitals. The Government of Estonia has ordered the Ministry of Social Affairs to update the healthcare stockpile system in cooperation with healthcare providers, the Estonian Stockpiling Agency, and the Defence Forces of Estonia.

The Estonian Stockpiling Agency is tasked with maintaining:

• the stockpile of over-the-counter and prescription medicinal products sold in pharmacies

• the stockpile of personal protective equipment

• the stockpile of medical devices and supplies

• the stockpile of veterinary medicinal products

In addition to the healthcare stockpile controlled by the state, some market participants also store considerable stocks in Estonia – wholesalers and producers of pharmaceuticals, hospitals, and pharmacies. The State Agency of Medicines recommends keeping one month’s worth of prescription medicinal products and a week’s worth of painkillers and antipyretics at home.