In a decisive move to address the escalating medicine shortage in the Maldives, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has attributed the crisis to a ‘medical mafia’ manipulating the pharmaceutical market for exorbitant profits. Speaking in Dh. Meedhoo, President Muizzu detailed how these business entities have orchestrated supply disruptions in retaliation against government-imposed price controls designed to curb profiteering.
“Utilizing taxpayer funds through Aasandha, numerous pharmaceutical businesses were extracting excessive profits, some as high as 1,000 to 2,000 percent,” President Muizzu stated. “When the government intervened to reduce medicine prices, importers began restricting supplies, creating artificial shortages.”
The President emphasized that these actions are retaliatory measures by the importers, not government-induced issues. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to dismantling the ‘medical mafia’ to protect citizens’ rights and public funds. “By eliminating this waste, we are now saving over 500 million rufiyaa, which can be redirected to enhance educational facilities and hospital development across the islands,” he added.
To mitigate the immediate impact of the shortage, President Muizzu announced that the State Trading Organisation (STO) will commence importing all essential medicines starting March 15, with plans to expand to all medicine types by April 15. This initiative aims to ensure a stable and affordable supply of medications, countering the manipulative practices of profiteering importers.
The government’s crackdown on inflated drug prices and unethical business practices has been met with resistance from entrenched interests within the pharmaceutical sector. However, President Muizzu remains resolute in prioritizing the health and well-being of Maldivian citizens over corporate greed.
In a related development, 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. This committee is tasked with formulating sustainable solutions to the medicine supply issues and ensuring timely access to essential medications for all Maldivians.
The administration’s proactive stance reflects a broader commitment to healthcare reform, aiming to create a transparent and equitable system that serves the public interest above all else.
