All essential medicines listed by the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) will be available at State Trading Organisation (STO) pharmacies by March 15, 2025, with all other approved medicines to be stocked by April 15, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced.

Addressing residents of Meedhoo as part of his tour of Dhaalu Atoll, the President addressed concerns over recent medicine shortages, attributing them to private suppliers limiting imports following Government efforts to regulate pricing. He stated that excessive profiteering in the pharmaceutical sector had led to inflated prices, particularly under the Aasandha health insurance scheme.

President Dr Muizzu reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to medicines, stating that steps had been taken to prevent artificial shortages and market manipulation. He said special financial assistance had been provided to STO to expedite procurement and guarantee the availability of medicines.

The President further assured that from mid-March, all essential medicines would be stocked at STO pharmacies at regulated prices, and by mid-April, the full range of approved medicines would be accessible. He reiterated that the Government would not allow disruptions in the supply of medicines and that measures were in place to prevent future shortages.