The Central Purchasing Center for Essential Medicines and Medical Consumables (CAME) was created in 1989 following the disappearance of the two (2) structures that were once responsible for supplying the country with pharmaceutical products. 

These are the National Pharmacy Office (ONP) liquidated in 1987 and the National Supply Pharmacy (PHARMAPRO) dissolved in 1988. 

CAME started its activities in 1991 and evolved for four (4) years as part of the Health Services Development Project (PDSS) financed by the World Bank and Swiss Cooperation. In 1996, it acquired administrative, financial, and management autonomy with the adoption of its statutes. 

It is responsible for supplying the public and private non-profit health facilities as well as pharmacy pharmacies with the essential generic drugs and essential medical consumables. The CAME is an institution governed by the provision of private law and subject to the obligation of government control for the execution of a social public health mission.