State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation (StatePharma) has begun discussions with the Maldives National University (MNU) to expand training opportunities for Maldivians in the field of pharmacy.

Senior officials from StatePharma met with representatives of MNU's Faculty of Health Sciences to explore ways to increase the number of locally trained pharmacists and strengthen the country's pharmaceutical workforce.

Following the meeting, StatePharma said both sides had also agreed to conduct refresher training programmes for pharmacists currently working in the sector to enhance their professional skills.

The discussions come after StatePharma announced last month that it was seeking to recruit more than 30 pharmacists, during which the corporation identified a shortage of locally trained professionals in the field.

StatePharma assumed responsibility for pharmacies previously operated by the State Trading Organization (STO) on 8 July, as part of efforts to strengthen the country's medicine supply system and address recurring shortages of essential medicines.