Managing Director of the State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Company, Dr Shah Mahir has said medicines requested from abroad are typically delivered within two weeks, with emergency cases fulfilled within 24 hours.
Speaking about the company’s operations, Shah said State Pharma was established to address longstanding issues with access to essential medicines and to provide a clear channel for public complaints.
He said patients can now submit prescriptions through a dedicated portal or contact the hotline 1505 for assistance and information.
“Previously, people did not know where to go when they faced difficulties obtaining medicines. Now we will provide solutions to those issues,” he said.
Shah noted that once the company’s pharmacies are fully operational, prescriptions will be accepted directly at counters, with efforts made to source unavailable medicines. He acknowledged delays in existing systems, including approval processes through the Vira portal, which have left patients uncertain about whether they would receive required medication.
If a medicine is not available anywhere in the Maldives, State Pharma will arrange imports, he said, adding that in many cases drugs have already been sourced within a few days. He cited a recent case where unavailable medicine was delivered from Kaafu Thulusdhoo to a patient in Male'.
Shah advised patients on long-term medication to submit prescriptions in advance to avoid shortages, noting that most requests can be fulfilled within a maximum of two weeks.
“In urgent cases, medicines will be delivered within 24 hours,” he said.
He added that the company is working with the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) and Aasandha on backend processes, but stressed that sourcing of medicines would begin as soon as a request is received, without waiting for approvals.
