The Government of Maldives has addressed the immediate interventions taken to address the nationwide shortage of essential medicines, confirming that nearly all items on the official drug list will soon be available through the State Trading Organisation (STO).

During a press briefing at the President’s Office, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu outlined the Administration’s efforts to stabilise medicine availability and regulate pricing. He confirmed that all but ten of the 1,207 drugs listed on the national essential medicines list will be accessible through STO’s medical outlets. Of these, 784 drugs are already in stock, and procurement orders have been placed for a further 308 currently unavailable in the market.

The shortage has been attributed, in part, to disruption from private importers following recent reforms to the Aasandha health insurance scheme. These reforms, introduced to counter excessive profit margins previously reported to range between 1,000 per cent and 2,000 per cent have reportedly led some companies to withhold or delay shipments.

In response, the Government has temporarily eased price restrictions for private sector medicine sales. From May 3, 77 types of medicines were approved for sale at a revised 15 per cent profit margin, a move intended to encourage continued imports and support stable stock levels. 

In addition, STO is in the process of onboarding 115 new suppliers to strengthen its procurement network and establish a more reliable and long-term supply chain. The Government maintains that the revised strategy will prevent future disruptions and ensure continued public access to affordable, essential medicines across the country.