Pharmacies currently operated by the State Trading Organization (STO) will come under the management of State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation Limited (StatePharma) from 1 July as part of efforts to strengthen the national medicine supply system.

StatePharma Managing Director Dr Shah Mahir said preparations for the transition are progressing and that the transfer of STO pharmacies will be formally completed at the start of next month.

He noted that StatePharma is expanding and strengthening its nationwide pharmacy network, which currently consists of 194 pharmacies, including the recently opened pharmacy at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

Dr Shah said work is ongoing to ensure the necessary supply chains, inventories and medical consumables are in place ahead of the transfer, with all preparations expected to be completed before July.

He added that StatePharma is already supplying medicines to pharmacies across the Maldives and has received encouraging public response to its services.

StatePharma was established to improve access to medicines and medical supplies across the country. The company is responsible for procuring, importing and distributing medicines, medical consumables and equipment, while also working to strengthen the national distribution network.

The company has also introduced a dedicated hotline, 1505, and the StatePharma Portal to make it easier for the public to obtain medicines and health-related products. Members of the public can seek assistance through the hotline or place orders directly through the online platform.