The Managing Director of the State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation Ltd, Dr Shah Mahir, has stated that the aim is to uphold high-quality standards for medicines imported into the Maldives.
The State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation was established by the Government to address concerns raised by residents regarding the lack of availability of medicines. The company is responsible for importing medicines and works with relevant authorities to ensure access to essential medical supplies.
Speaking on a PSM News programme, Dr Shah Mahir explained that significant progress has been made in initiating services since the company’s establishment. For example, staff transport arrangements after office hours have been introduced, and a medicine storage facility has been developed in accordance with standards set by the Maldives Food and Drug Administration (MFDA).
In addition, company policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been established, and consultations have been held with various stakeholders.
Dr Shah Mahir noted that, in close collaboration with doctors and relevant authorities, efforts are underway to identify essential medicines and facilitate their importation. Work is being carried out with doctors from Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), and the process of procuring high-quality medicines has commenced.
“Multiple factors must be considered in maintaining quality standards. Extensive work is also being carried out in collaboration with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). One of the key challenges is that the Maldives is a small country, with relatively low demand for imported medicines. In particular, there are no specialised medicines manufactured specifically for the Maldives. As a result, we must procure and import medicines produced for other countries. Even during importation, there are challenges in obtaining the necessary certification and ensuring availability,” Dr Shah Mahir stated.
Dr Shah Mahir further highlighted that the Corporation is working closely with suppliers to facilitate the importation of medicines into the Maldives. He emphasised that the priority is to import high-quality medicines, with the process currently underway.
He added that stringent standards are being upheld and maintained, and that a dedicated portal is being developed to enable patients to obtain medicines upon presentation of a valid prescription.