Medicine prices in the Maldives are up to 15 times higher than in neighbouring countries, according to National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) CEO Heena Waleed.

Speaking during a meeting with the People’s Majlis Social Affairs Committee, Heena highlighted that some pharmacies impose excessive profit margins of 300 to 400 per cent, rendering essential medications unaffordable for many Maldivians.

To alleviate this burden, the Government has partnered with the State Trading Organisation (STO) to reduce the prices of 250 medicines, including 10 already available at lower rates under the Aasandha health insurance scheme. However, Heena noted that while most pharmacies have implemented the revised price list, a few remain resistant to the changes.

“While most pharmacies have adopted the Government’s pricing adjustments, some continue to oppose them,” Heena stated. Despite this opposition, affordable medicines are now accessible at all STO pharmacies, ensuring wider access for the public.

The Government is also tackling high drug prices through bulk procurement of commonly used medicines and those on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) essential medicines list. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to secure better pricing and ensure a stable supply.

During the session, Dr Ahmed Shamheed, MP for South Hulhumalé, expressed concerns about inflated prices for Aasandha-covered medicines, urging STO to take a more active role in controlling costs. In response, Heena reiterated the importance of bulk procurement and strengthened regulatory measures to address the issue.