Medication shortage is improving: Minister

Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim announced last night that even though there is no total solution for the medication shortage from pharmacies, the issue is easing up.

While answering a question while on an SSTV program, Minister Nazim said that the government has been working on the shortage issue, with a slight improvement being seen.

As per the minister, difficulties were faced by private pharmacies as "reforms" for giving out medication under the Aasandha system were brought about. The minister said that the weight of the issue has lightened as medication imports have increased via STO.

"Aside from the brands that were brought in by STO, hundreds of other generic brands are now being imported, with STO's supply having been increased by us. Due to this, we believe that the strain that was experienced has eased up a bit," said Nazim.

He went on to say that currently, a treatment guideline is being established and will be acted on. The minister said that then, instead of doctors prescribing medicine, they will be introduced to a "generic system".

Nazim stated that the medicine shortage issue will only be solved by completely overhauling the system. He stated that the role of pharmacists would be important when an STO pharmacy may not have a certain type of medication but another STO outlet may have it.

In order to import medication to Maldives, the government has registered a special company by the name of State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply (SPMS) on 9th September.

Minister Nazim said that the company is currently up and running, with the situation to improve as work also improves. He said this as the company would establish good relations with relevant international parties and focus on specific matters.

Managing Director of SPMS Dr. Shah Mahir said in October that it would take three to six months to operate the company.

As medicine shortages have increased and as complaints from the public have gone on for quite some time, the government has stated they are working to solve the issue by introducing various systems. A specific company to import medication was also created for this purpose.