The State Trading Organisation (STO) has diversified the range of pharmaceuticals imported to the Maldives to resolve the ongoing medicine shortage. Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, the Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim stated that much of the shortage has already been addressed, with plans to add more medicines to both the Approved Drug List and the National Essential Medicines List.

He noted that imports have expanded from around 200 medicines to between 800 and 900, alongside the introduction of 40 new treatment guidelines in 2025 to improve prescribing practices. Minister Nazim added that closer coordination with the governance system and Aasandha, as well as the establishment of a specialised prescription system and designated suppliers, are key steps toward a long-term solution to ensure a stable medicine supply nationwide.