The government has announced plans to centralise the importation of medicines under a single state-owned entity, with State Pharmaceuticals set to assume full responsibility by mid-year.
Minister of Finance and Government Companies Moosa Zameer said the transition is currently underway, with administrative arrangements progressing to shift all medicine imports to the newly established company.
State Pharmaceuticals was formed in September last year under the direction of President Mohamed Muizzu, with the aim of streamlining procurement and ensuring more consistent access to pharmaceuticals across the country.
The company has already begun importing medicines on a limited scale, with plans now in motion to expand its role to cover the entire national supply.
Officials say the move is designed to strengthen bulk purchasing, improve supply stability and address recurring shortages of essential drugs.
Measures to Address Shortages
Authorities have also introduced interim steps to ease current challenges faced by patients in obtaining certain medications.
A specialised pharmacy has been established within Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) to stock medicines that are not widely available in the local market.
In addition, a system has been introduced to ensure that prescribed medications can be delivered within 14 days of submission.
Zameer said the government is working toward a long-term solution, noting that while some branded medicines may be unavailable, alternative generic options remain accessible.
Expanding Services Beyond the Capital
Plans are also in place to extend State Pharmaceuticals’ presence beyond Malé, with new pharmacies expected to be opened in key population centres across the country.
Officials said the expansion is aimed at improving access to medicines in the atolls, where availability has often been limited.
24/7 Hotline Launched
To support the rollout, the company has introduced a dedicated hotline, 1505, which will operate around the clock.
The service is intended to assist the public with inquiries related to medicine availability, prescriptions and supply issues, and can be accessed from across the Maldives.
Toward a More Reliable Supply System
The government says the shift to a centralised import system is part of broader efforts to strengthen the national healthcare supply chain and ensure that essential medicines are consistently available to the public.
Officials expect the full transition to State Pharmaceuticals to be completed by mid-year, with benefits anticipated to become more evident in the months ahead.
