Statepharma confirms free psychiatric medicine from Sri Lanka to arrive next week amid procurement challenges

Statepharma, the state pharmaceutical company of the Maldives, has confirmed that free psychiatric medicine donated by the Sri Lankan government will arrive in the country within the coming week. The announcement comes in response to ongoing difficulties in obtaining essential medicines, particularly psychiatric drugs, which have led to concerns among patients and lawmakers. Managing Director Dr. Shah Abdulla Maahir addressed a letter from Galolu North constituency MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) regarding the shortage of psychiatric medications, including Clonazepam. Dr. Maahir explained that the Maldives' small population and limited market size make it difficult to meet minimum order quantities required by international suppliers, contributing to stockouts. Statepharma took over responsibility for medicine importation on July 1, 2026, but inherited no buffer stock, resulting in shortages. The company is working to establish direct supply agreements with large foreign suppliers, a process expected to take four to six months. In the interim, Sri Lanka's health ministry has agreed to provide Clonazepam and other psychiatric medicines free of charge to the Maldivian state. The shipment is scheduled to arrive within the next week, ensuring a temporary supply for patients in need. Dr. Maahir assured that once direct supply agreements are signed, the ongoing procurement challenges will be resolved permanently. The company is also utilizing its Digipharma portal to expedite the procurement of urgently needed medicines from abroad since April 1, 2026.