State Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies Corporation has begun developing a system to forecast the medicines required across the Maldives and improve the management of pharmaceutical supplies.

Speaking on a State media programme, the company's Managing Director, Dr Shah Mahir, said shortages of medicines can only be addressed by accurately identifying the country's demand in advance.

He said the first phase of establishing an enterprise resource management system and an e-logistics system has been completed. Once operational, the system will provide real-time information on medicine stocks across the country and enable State Pharma to forecast the types and quantities of medicines required.

Dr Shah said the system will allow medicine demand to be estimated at island level, helping ensure adequate supplies are maintained based on the health needs of each community.

He explained that if the number of patients requiring a particular medicine, such as diabetes medication, is known for an island, the required stock can be maintained without interruption. The electronic system will enable medicines to be distributed to locations based on anticipated demand.

Dr Shah said the new system will also include a public portal, allowing people to check the availability of medicines and where they can be obtained across the country in real time.

He added that work on the system is expected to be completed by September.

State Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies Corporation Limited was established on 9 September last year to improve public access to medicines.

The company's primary role is to procure prescription medicines, medical consumables, and medical equipment in bulk, import them into the Maldives, and strengthen the nationwide distribution system.

State Pharma now operates all pharmacies previously managed by STO. The company aims to improve access to pharmaceutical services across the Maldives by expanding availability and enhancing the quality of those services.