President Dr Mohamed Muizzu says the government expects to permanently resolve ongoing medicine shortages in the Maldives within the next two months through major reforms to the country’s pharmaceutical supply system.
Speaking during the “Nation Chat” programme, President Muizzu said efforts currently being carried out by the government are beginning to produce results, with significant improvements expected by June or July.
According to the President, the reforms are being implemented through the newly established State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation, which was formed in September last year to strengthen the import and distribution of medicines and medical equipment across the country.
He said the upcoming changes would especially benefit patients requiring long-term treatment by ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines.
As part of the restructuring process, pharmacies currently operating under State Trading Organization (STO) are expected to come under the management of State Pharma by the end of July.
The government is also working to introduce a nationwide digital monitoring system that will allow real-time tracking of medicine stocks in pharmacies throughout the Maldives.
President Muizzu said the first operational steps under the new system have already begun at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), where a State Pharma pharmacy has been opened to ensure consistent medicine supply for the hospital.
Authorities have additionally launched a hotline service under the number “1505” to help source medicines unavailable in local pharmacies through overseas suppliers.
The government is also preparing to launch the “State Pharma Portal,” an online platform that will allow people across the Maldives to conveniently order medicines remotely from their islands.
