Online System Planned to Track Medicine Availability Nationwide, Says SPHMC

The Managing Director of the State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation, Shah Mahir, has stated that work is underway to introduce an online system that will allow the public to check the availability of medicines across the Maldives.

The corporation, which was established in September last year to specialise in pharmaceutical supply, has continued to face complaints over medicine shortages. Although the company began importing medicines last month, this came six months after its formation.

Dr Mahir said a long-term solution is required to address recurring shortages, noting that the Maldives spends a significant amount on medicines. He added that a digital platform is currently being developed to provide real-time information on medicine availability nationwide.

The system is expected to provide details on what medicines are available in the country, the quantities in stock, and the pharmacies where they can be accessed. The initiative is aimed at improving access and addressing inefficiencies in the current supply chain.

Dr Mahir also highlighted that the existing system does not allow doctors to view what medicines are available locally, describing this as a key gap the new platform intends to resolve.

The corporation has already introduced a portal and hotline to assist the public in accessing medicines.

The State Trading Organization currently imports and distributes medicines, medical consumables and equipment in bulk, while operating pharmacies across all islands. The company has begun transferring its pharmacies to the new pharmaceutical corporation this year as part of a broader restructuring effort.

The government previously announced on 22 July 2024 that it would begin supplying European-standard medicines in the Maldives to ensure quality, and confirmed that bulk procurement had commenced in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme.