The government is working to address longstanding challenges in the supply and pricing of medicines through the establishment of a state pharmaceutical company, according to Minister of Health, Family and Welfare, Geela Ali.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, the Minister said the initiative aims to ensure consistent availability of essential medicines and stabilise prices.
She noted that the State Trading Organisation (STO) currently supplies around 30 per cent of the country’s pharmaceutical needs, while the private sector accounts for the remaining 70 per cent.
The Minister said the Maldives’ relatively small market makes it difficult to sustain multiple importers supplying the same medicines. She explained that without a more centralised system, maintaining consistent supply levels remains a challenge.
She also highlighted structural issues within the import system, noting that certain medicines are registered under exclusive agreements with suppliers, limiting access for other importers.
“Our state pharmaceutical company is collaborating with neighbouring countries. In addition, Aasandha is working to regulate medicine prices and prevent excessive profit margins by introducing maximum retail prices,” she said.
The Minister expressed confidence, despite existing challenges, that strengthening the capacity of the state pharmaceutical company will enable the Maldives to independently import required quantities of medicine. Efforts are also underway to improve access to medicines through STO pharmacies across the atolls.
Access to pharmaceuticals remains one of the most pressing concerns within the healthcare system, with common complaints including shortages in island pharmacies, limited availability in Malé, high costs and concerns over quality.
The government has said the state pharmaceutical company, established in 2025, is central to resolving these issues. The company has already begun importing its first shipments and supplying medicines to the market.