Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Alic has stated that the government’s objective is to resolve issues related to the supply of medicines needed by patients with the assistance of the State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation Limited.
Speaking on PSM News’ “Raajje Miadhu” programme, the Minister noted that 30 percent of the medicines required in the Maldives are supplied by State Trading Organisation (STO), while 70 percent are supplied by the private sector.
The Minister explained that the volume of medicines required by the Maldives is relatively small, and that it is not feasible for three or four importers to bring in the same medicine. She added that unless a limited number of parties handle this process, it would be difficult to ensure the availability of medicines in the required quantities. She further stated that various efforts are underway within the health sector to address issues related to medicines. Medicines, she noted, are registered by specific parties who then enter into agreements with suppliers to import and distribute them in the Maldives. Without expanding such agreements to additional parties and suppliers, the ongoing challenges in importing medicines cannot be resolved.
“We are working with neighbouring countries through the state pharmaceutical company, not only to control medicine prices, but also to prevent excessive profit margins. Efforts are underway through Aasandha to set minimum retail prices and regulate costs,” the Minister said.
The Minister acknowledged that although there are many challenges within the medicine supply system, the aim is to strengthen the capacity of the state-backed pharmaceutical company so that the country can secure the medicines it needs in sufficient quantities. She added that the government is actively working towards achieving this goal. Efforts are also being made to improve access to medicines through STO pharmacies across the atolls.
One of the biggest public complaints within the healthcare system is related to medicines. Despite various efforts, the issue remains unresolved to a satisfactory level. Problems include stock shortages in islands, lack of essential medicines even in the capital, Malé City, the need to substitute prescribed medicines due to unavailability, high prices, and concerns over quality.
The government has stated that the solution to these issues lies in the establishment of the state pharmaceutical company. The company was formed in 2025, and it has already begun importing its first shipments of medicines and supplying them to the market.