The Parliament, on Wednesday, has rejected the emergency motion submitted regarding shortage of medicine in the Maldives, which had warned that the situation threatens the lives of patients with serious or long-term conditions.
The emergency motion submitted by main opposition MDP’s North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo) cited mounting complaints from the public about difficulties in procuring medicine, with many reporting that medicines which have been halted by Aasandha are no longer available in pharmacies, even at higher costs.
He emphasized that people are unable to fill their prescriptions despite trying multiple pharmacies, and many essential drugs out of stock.
Kudoo noted that he has received reports indicating that essential medications for patients with severe illnesses, as well as for elderly and pregnant women, have been out of stock for days.
He alleged that the medicine shortage resulted from poorly planned government actions carried out in the name of “reforming” Aasandha.
Kudoo’s emergency motion was rejected by the Parliament where ruling PNC holds majority in a 36-11 majority vote.
Amidst mounting complaints regarding difficulties in procuring medicine, former Maldivian airline Managing Director Aishath Jennifer posted on social media three days ago, stating she had visited 15 pharmacies in search of medicine for a baby, but found none. She said the pharmacies operated by the State Trading Organization (STO) did not have the required medication.  
Jennifer’s post sparked a wave of similar complaints, including from patients with diabetes and other chronic illnesses.  
One patient undergoing treatment for an autoimmune condition said he had been using Symponi-brand golimumab injections since 2023. While STO previously imported the drug every six months, he claimed the interval has now stretched to eight months.
The government had pledged to improve medicine access early in President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure, including a commitment to source drugs from Europe. In September, the government established the State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation Limited (SPMSC), specific for medicine imports.
SPMC’s Managing Director, Dr. Shah Mahir, has stated it will take approximately four months for the company to begin its operations.
Shah, on September 8th, said the transition of pharmaceutical operations from the STO, will take time. Although the transfer of responsibilities is underway, STO will continue importing pharmaceuticals until SPHMC is fully functional.
Prior to SPHMC’s formation, the fully state-owned STO was responsible for bulk imports and sales of medical drugs, consumables, and equipment. STO pharmacies have been set up across all inhabited islands.
Once SPHMC assumes full control of pharmaceutical operations, management of these pharmacies will also be transferred to the new company.