Maldives Medicine Shortages Ease as STO Boosts Imports; New Pharma Company Expected to Further Improve Supply

Health Minister Abdulla Nazim has announced that the shortage of medicines in the Maldives has significantly eased following the State Trading Organisation's (STO) efforts to increase the volume and variety of imported drugs. The minister expressed optimism that the situation will further improve once the newly established State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supplies Company becomes fully operational. Addressing concerns about ongoing shortages on SSTV’s Baaru Hathareh programme, Nazim acknowledged the persistent complaints but highlighted that STO’s expanded role in importing essential medicines has already led to noticeable improvements. He explained that changes to the Aasandha healthcare system had initially disrupted medicine pricing, prompting the government to bolster STO’s involvement in drug imports. Nazim also revealed that treatment guidelines are being developed to standardize prescriptions across different stages of care, which, combined with the increased supply, is expected to alleviate shortages further. The minister confirmed that preparations are underway for the new pharmaceutical company to begin operations, emphasizing that a specialized entity will deliver better long-term results. Meanwhile, STO continues to play a crucial role, importing and selling medicines, medical consumables, and equipment across all inhabited islands.