State Pharma to Centralize All Medical Imports by Mid-Year to End Shortages

The Maldives government has announced that the State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation (State Pharma) will assume full control of all medicinal drug, consumable, and equipment imports by mid-year. This strategic shift aims to resolve the chronic medicine shortages that have burdened citizens across the archipelago. Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Moosa Zameer detailed the transition during a press conference at the President’s Office. Established by presidential directive in September last year, State Pharma was designed to streamline the procurement process and expand the availability of critical healthcare supplies. While the corporation has already begun importing essential drugs, it is now finalizing the steps to manage the entire national import pipeline. "This strategic move is designed to directly address the persistent difficulties citizens face in accessing necessary medicines," Minister Zameer stated. He emphasized that State Pharma will prioritize procuring specialized medications that are often unavailable in the local market. To ensure rapid access, these specialized drugs will be stocked at a dedicated pharmacy within the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), with a guarantee that medications will be available within 14 days of a prescription. Beyond the capital, the government plans to decentralize healthcare access by establishing a network of State Pharma pharmacies throughout Malé and other densely populated islands. This expansion is intended to eliminate regional disparities, ensuring that residents on distant islands have the same access to medication as those in the urban center. Minister Zameer further noted that the corporation will address existing information gaps and supply chain inconsistencies, ensuring a steady flow of both branded and generic medicines. To support this transition and provide immediate assistance to the public, State Pharma has launched a 24-hour nationwide hotline. The service allows citizens to report difficulties in obtaining medication and seek real-time solutions, marking a direct effort by the state to make healthcare more responsive and reliable.