SPHMC Launches 24-Hour Hotline to Address Medicine Shortages

The State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation has introduced a 24-hour hotline to address public concerns regarding the availability of medicines.

The service was announced by Managing Director Dr Shah Mahir, who stated that the call centre has been established to respond to issues related to unavailable medicines, import requirements and pharmacy-related complaints.

The hotline allows individuals to report concerns, which will then be processed for resolution based on urgency. Cases involving medicines available locally will be addressed immediately, while procurement processes will be initiated for items that need to be imported.

The Corporation has indicated that efforts will be made to ensure essential medicines are supplied as quickly as possible, with some deliveries expected within two to three days and others taking up to two weeks depending on availability.

In addition to the hotline, a new online portal has been introduced to allow prescriptions to be uploaded. The system will operate alongside existing platforms, including Aasandha and the National Social Protection Agency.

The hotline is available on 1505 and operates round the clock, as part of broader efforts to improve access to medicines and strengthen coordination with relevant agencies.