A joint committee has been established to address ongoing challenges in providing medicines to the public, following a meeting between the State Trading Organisation (STO), the Maldives Doctors Union, and the Maldives Medical Association.
According to a joint statement issued after the meeting on Monday, the parties agreed to form a committee comprising representatives from STO, Aasandha, the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), the Maldives Doctors Union, and the Maldives Medical Association. The committee will focus on finding a sustainable solution to medicine supply issues and ensuring timely access to essential medicines.
The statement also noted that stakeholders would be given a platform to discuss challenges and make informed decisions based on available information. Additionally, an online system will be introduced to allow doctors to access real-time information on medicines imported by STO and stock levels at STO pharmacies.
The decision to establish the committee comes amid mounting concerns from patients, particularly those undergoing treatment for major and chronic illnesses, about difficulties in obtaining medicines under the Aasandha scheme. Some pharmacies have stopped dispensing medicines under the scheme due to financial constraints, forcing patients to bear the cost themselves. Others provide medicines on a self-pay basis once the price covered by Aasandha is exceeded.
The meeting was held in response to concerns raised by stakeholders, with the aim of developing a long-term solution to ensure the continuous availability of medicines in the country.
