The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has warned that enforcement action will be taken against unlicensed pharmacies and pharmacies operating without licensed pharmacists.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the MFDA said the import and sale of medicines are permitted only under specific approvals issued by the authority. It stressed that pharmacies are prohibited from selling medicines unless they have obtained the required permits and employ pharmacists who are duly licensed.

The authority noted that pharmacists are not permitted to operate unless they hold and display a valid pharmacist identification card issued by the MFDA.

The MFDA further reminded the public of their responsibility when obtaining medicines from pharmacies and urged consumers to take several precautions. These include ensuring that pharmacies dispensing medicines hold valid permits and display them visibly, confirming that pharmacists are properly licensed by checking their MFDA-issued ID cards, and verifying that medicines are within their expiry dates.

The authority also advised the public to ensure that clear and accurate usage instructions are provided with dispensed medicines and that all medications are properly packaged.

The MFDA said action will be taken against pharmacies and pharmacists found to be in violation of these regulations.