Concerns Raised Over Medicine Pricing And Availability In Male’

A case has surfaced in Male’ City involving three pharmacies reportedly charging up to MVR 240 for a bottle of medicine while falsely claiming that Aasandha, the national health insurance scheme, does not cover the cost.

The matter has drawn attention to broader complaints regarding the scarcity and high pricing of essential medicines in local pharmacies.

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General practitioner Dr Abdul Azeez Hameed recently shared his experience in attempting to procure Thyronome, a medication required by his six-year-old son, who lives with Down syndrome, autism, and hypothyroidism. He noted that the drug was not available at the State Trading Organization (STO)’s Henveiru pharmacy. At pharmacies near ADK Hospital, he was informed that the medicine was not provided under Aasandha. Prices varied significantly, ranging from MVR 90 to as high as MVR 240 for a bottle of 120 pills.

The incident generated concern on social media, with many highlighting the lack of access to essential medicines. Comparisons were also made with India, where the same drug is sold at a much lower price, approximately Rs 185 (MVR 32) at Apollo Pharmacy.

It is noted that Thyronome-50 is available at STO’s Hulhumale’ Pharmacy outlet for MVR 94.70. Aasandha also clarified that Thyronome 25 micrograms is covered under the insurance scheme and is dispensed by numerous pharmacies. The company has urged the public to report any refusal by pharmacies to provide covered medicines through its Shikaavathi Chatline on Viber, WhatsApp, or Telegram.