STO will ensure steady supply of commonly used medication: Shimad

STO Managing Director Shimad Ibrahim has assured that commonly used medicines will continue to be supplied without difficulties.

Responding to concerns over medicine shortages, Shimad stated that STO is working closely with the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) to resolve the issues.

"We are actively working on solutions to the complaints received from the public. However, I can assure that essential medicines will always remain available," he said.

Shimad highlighted the importance of prescribing medications using their generic names rather than specific brand names. He noted that while STO pharmacies stock various medicines, the brand names may differ from those written on prescriptions, creating difficulties for patients.

Another challenge, he said, is the prescription of medicines that are not on the country's approved drug list. While the Maldives' approved drug list includes around 4,000 types of medicines, doctors sometimes prescribe medication which are not registered, making it harder for patients to obtain them.

He assured that if a crucial medication is missing from the list and they receive multiple complaints, efforts would be made to register and import it.

Shimad also addressed a recent concern raised by pediatrician Dr. Ahmed Faisal on X, about the unavailability of calcium medicine for premature babies. He said that in such cases, STO would take steps to register and import the necessary medication.

"The best solution is for doctors to be aware of the generic names of drugs available in Maldives when writing prescriptions," he said.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, in his Presidential Address in parliament acknowledged the difficulties caused by price controls on medicines but assured that the government would strengthen measures this year to improve pricing and availability.

Last year, the government regulated the prices of 250 medicines to prevent excessive pricing and inefficiencies in the system.