In a move aimed at strengthening healthcare accessibility in the growing city of Hulhumalé, State Trading Organization (STO) has officially opened its newest healthcare outlet, STO Pharmacy Central. The facility commenced public service on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at its prominent new location on Huvandhumaa Hingun—adjacent to Hulhumalé Hospital—where the former STO Smart Store once operated.
The opening of STO Pharmacy Central aligns with STO’s broader strategy to enhance healthcare delivery and convenience across the Maldives. This initiative was first announced by STO Managing Director Shimad Ibrahim during the company’s 2024 Annual General Meeting.
Designed to cater to the daily health and wellness needs of Hulhumalé residents, the new pharmacy offers a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and essential medical consumables. The outlet also stocks wellness and caregiving items such as diapers, cosmetic products, and nebulizers.
To ensure accessibility and ease of service, STO Pharmacy Central operates from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight) every day. Customers can make purchases via multiple payment options including cash, card, and insurance schemes such as Aasandha, making the facility both financially and physically accessible for a wide segment of the population.
This latest expansion is part of STO’s commitment to bolstering the nation’s healthcare infrastructure and supporting the government’s efforts to decentralize essential services. The organization currently operates several pharmacies nationwide, serving as a key player in the public health supply chain.
As demand for medical services continues to rise in Hulhumalé’s rapidly urbanizing environment, STO Pharmacy Central is expected to play a pivotal role in bridging critical service gaps—reinforcing STO’s reputation as a trusted name in healthcare accessibility across the Maldives.
