Government officials convened on March 18 to discuss strategies for improving the availability of prescription medicines through local pharmacies.

The discussions were chaired by Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim and Minister of Social and Family Development Dr Aishath Shiham. Officials from the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), Aasandha Company Limited, and the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) were also in attendance.

A primary focus of the meeting was the accessibility of medicines in line with the Government’s healthcare objectives. Participants examined existing challenges in the distribution of pharmaceuticals and explored potential solutions to streamline the supply chain.

One of the measures under consideration is the implementation of a bulk procurement system to facilitate the importation of high-quality medicines from developed countries. The initiative aims to ensure the availability of reliable medications while reducing costs. Additionally, officials discussed the introduction of a unified system to provide doctors with comprehensive information on imported pharmaceuticals.

In support of these efforts, the Ministry of Health, MFDA, NSPA, and Aasandha are conducting information sessions to enhance awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the procurement and availability of medicines.

The Government has recognised that pharmaceutical expenditure represents a significant financial burden on the healthcare system. The national health insurance scheme, managed by Aasandha, reports that more than half of its annual budget is allocated to medicine importation, with costs rising each year.

Officials emphasised the need for reforms to improve efficiency and ensure the sustainability of the healthcare sector.