State Pharma to Manage 194 Pharmacies by July to Tackle Medicine Shortages

The State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation (StatePharma) Limited will assume operational control of all State Trading Organization (STO) pharmacies across the Maldives starting July 1. This strategic transition aims to resolve persistent shortages of essential medicines that have long affected the nation's healthcare delivery. StatePharma Managing Director Dr. Shah Mahir confirmed that the expansion includes 193 existing STO outlets and a newly established pharmacy at the Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), totaling 194 facilities. The company has already initiated the import and distribution of medicines to ensure a seamless transition of services. To prevent future supply gaps, StatePharma is prioritizing a robust inventory tracking system. A dedicated digital portal is currently under development, which will provide the public with real-time transparency regarding the availability of government-supplied drugs. This move is intended to eliminate the uncertainty patients often face when seeking critical medications. In addition to the physical pharmacy network, the corporation has launched a dedicated hotline (1050) to support citizens. The service is specifically designed to help patients navigate the process of accessing medicines through Aasandha, the national universal health insurance scheme. According to Dr. Mahir, preparations for consumables and logistics are ongoing, with the electronic management systems expected to be fully operational before the July 1 deadline. By consolidating the pharmacy network under a single state entity, the government hopes to create a more reliable and transparent pharmaceutical supply chain for all Maldivians.