In a decisive move to address the persistent shortage of essential medicines, the State Trading Organization (STO) of the Maldives has entered into a strategic agreement with HLL Lifecare Limited, a government-owned enterprise under India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
This partnership aims to streamline the supply of vital medications to the Maldives through the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), commonly known as the Janaushadhi Scheme. The initiative is designed to provide high-quality generic medicines at affordable prices, ensuring their continuous availability across the island nation.
Delighted to partner with @HLLLifecare (Govt of India) under the #JanaushadhiScheme, tackling import challenges head-on. By linking Maldives to one of the world’s largest pharma supply chains, we secure price stability and reliable access to essential medicines. @HCIMaldives pic.twitter.com/80EDGvqBHB
— STO (@stoplc) May 8, 2025
The Maldives has been grappling with a severe medicine shortage over the past year, exacerbated in recent months. Factors contributing to the crisis include delayed payments from the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha, regulatory challenges, and the country’s limited market size, which complicates bulk procurement efforts. These issues have led to significant disruptions in the healthcare system, with patients struggling to access life-saving drugs and hospitals facing shortages of basic supplies .
HLL Lifecare, recognized as one of the largest suppliers of medical drugs in the region, previously collaborated with STO during the COVID-19 pandemic to supply critical medications. Under the new agreement, all medicines provided will adhere to World Health Organization (WHO) standards and comply with Maldives’ import regulations.
In addition to this bilateral agreement, the Maldivian government has initiated several measures to mitigate the medicine shortage. A joint committee comprising representatives from STO, Aasandha, the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), the Maldives Doctors Union, and the Maldives Medical Association has been established to develop sustainable solutions for medicine supply issues. An online platform is also being introduced to provide doctors with real-time information on drug availability in STO pharmacies .
Furthermore, STO has completed sourcing essential medicines, with shipments currently being distributed to various islands. The organization has emphasized its commitment to ensuring the uninterrupted availability of essential medicines nationwide and is working closely with relevant government agencies to prevent future shortages .
This collaboration with HLL Lifecare represents a significant step toward stabilizing the pharmaceutical supply chain in the Maldives, aiming to restore public confidence in the healthcare system and ensure that essential medicines are accessible to all citizens.
