Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has announced plans to compile a national registry of individuals receiving treatment for chronic diseases and to establish a dedicated centre for the distribution of related medications.

Speaking at the sixth session of the Ahaa forum series on Monday night, the Minister responded to a citizen’s question about the difficulties in accessing treatment. He acknowledged that many individuals undergoing long-term treatment for chronic conditions continue to face significant challenges, particularly in obtaining essential prescription medicines.

To address this, the Government is developing a long-term policy that includes maintaining a registry of patients who require regular medication for chronic illnesses. According to the Minister, the registry will allow the health system to track needs more accurately and ensure timely access to prescribed drugs. A dedicated distribution centre will be set up to streamline the delivery of medications to those on long-term treatment plans.

The Minister also noted that several major hospitals in Malé and the atolls have already begun issuing medications to individuals undergoing treatment for chronic conditions as an interim measure. He said the current system has been structured to allow hospitals to directly provide necessary medicines to registered patients.

This new initiative complements the Government’s broader efforts to strengthen the healthcare system, including upgrading existing hospitals, building new facilities, and planning reforms to the Aasandha scheme. Additionally, the Government is working with the World Health Organization (WHO) to finalise a Digital Healthcare Master Plan focused on improving service delivery and coordination.