Joint committee to address medicine supply challenges
The decision was made following a joint meeting.
A joint committee has been established to address difficulties in providing medicines to the public.
The decision was made following a meeting between the State Trading Organisation (STO), the Maldives Doctors Union, and the Maldives Medical Association on Monday.
According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, the parties agreed to:
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Form a committee comprising representatives from STO, Aasandha, the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), the Maldives Doctors Union, and the Maldives Medical Association to find a solution to medicine supply issues.
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Enable stakeholders to discuss challenges and make timely decisions based on available information.
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Establish an online platform for doctors to access real-time information on medicines imported by STO and available stock in STO pharmacies.
The statement highlighted that the meeting was held to address concerns raised by stakeholders regarding access to medicines and to develop a sustainable solution for ensuring availability.
There have been ongoing complaints from patients receiving treatment for major and chronic illnesses about difficulties in obtaining medicines under the Aasandha scheme. Some pharmacies have stopped providing medicines under the scheme, citing financial concerns. In such cases, patients are required to purchase medicines at their own expense. Additionally, some pharmacies provide medicines on a self-pay basis once the price covered by Aasandha is exceeded.
