Pharmaceutical company to begin operations in 3-6 months: Dr Shah

The government established pharmaceutical company tasked with importing medicines to the Maldives is expected to become fully operational within three to six months, its managing director, Dr Shah Mahir, said today.

The State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply company was formed on 9 September to handle the import of medicines and medical consumables.

The board currently comprises five members alongside the managing director.

Dr Shah told Mihaaru News that the process of transferring functions from the State Trading Organisation (STO) is still ongoing. “It is a very large operation and cannot be switched overnight. Services provided to the public will continue without disruption,” he said.

He added that administrative preparations, policy adjustments, and measures to ensure medicine availability are underway.

“The company has already started, but it will take three to six months to take over warehouse and distribution functions. It is a lot of work, so it will take some time,” Dr Shah explained.

All STO pharmacies operating across residential islands will also be transferred under the new pharmaceutical company once it becomes fully functional.