The State Trading Organisation (STO) has completed the sourcing of essential medicines, with distribution to islands now underway. The company announced on Saturday that most shipments have arrived in the Maldives, aiming to address ongoing concerns about medicine shortages.
The government has acknowledged that pharmaceutical expenses account for a significant portion of healthcare costs. According to Aasandha Company Limited, which manages the Maldives’ national insurance system, over half of its expenditures are linked to medicine imports. In response, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has introduced measures to curb excessive pricing of imported medicines.
STO, the country’s largest pharmaceutical wholesaler, has been tasked with ensuring that all prescription drugs on the national list of essential medicines are available. The company has confirmed that sourcing efforts have largely concluded, and ongoing distribution aims to ease recent shortages while ensuring a steady supply in the future.
Concerns about unavailable medicines under the Aasandha scheme have been raised in recent weeks, with some pharmacies halting the provision of certain drugs under the programme. STO’s recent efforts are intended to address these issues and provide sustainable access to essential medicines.
STO stated that it will continue working with healthcare institutions and professionals to identify critical medications required in the Maldives. The company is also focused on sourcing all generic medicines listed by the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), in line with the president’s directives.
STO has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a stable supply of essential medicines across the country, pledging to implement measures that prevent future shortages.
