Maldives to test drone delivery of medicines in first quarter of next year

The State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation Limited is working on a pilot project to use drones for transporting medicines across the Maldives, with the aim of testing the system in the first quarter of next year and expanding the service nationwide based on the results. Chief Commercial Officer Ahmed Imad said that the project is part of efforts to strengthen the supply chain for more than 190 pharmacies across the country. He also announced plans to establish regional warehouses for storing medicines in five regions of the Maldives, which would significantly ease the logistics of supplying medicines to the islands. Imad stated that despite challenges from the transfer of pharmaceutical operations previously managed by STELCO to the State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation Limited starting July 1st, the service has continued without disruption. He noted that special systems have been in place since April to identify stock shortages and ensure the procurement of essential medicines. The warehouse in Hulhumalé receives at least 200 orders per day, and work is carried out in two shifts until 10:00 PM to expedite deliveries. The corporation is also developing a database to address difficulties regarding medicines for chronic diseases and plans to share information about unavailable chronic medicines with the public. Imad added that with support from the Ministry of Health and the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), the aim is to import medicines within approximately two weeks. The State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation Limited, together with STELCO, holds 30 percent of the country's medicine market, while private companies hold about 70 percent, and the focus remains on ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines for citizens.