Cabinet approves availability of medicines under Aasandha
The Cabinet's decisions aim to strengthen the availability of medicines and enhance the efficiency of the healthcare system.
The Cabinet has decided to implement a system to ensure that all medicines prescribed by doctors are registered with Aasandha.
The decision follows complaints that certain prescription drugs are not available under Aasandha and that some medicines listed under the scheme are not being dispensed.
At the meeting held on Sunday, the Cabinet approved measures to improve access to medicines and reduce financial burdens on patients. The approved measures include:
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Establishing a system to ensure that all medicines prescribed in the Maldives are registered with Aasandha.
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Providing doctors with access to a dashboard displaying available medicines from State Trading Organisation (STO) and raising awareness among medical professionals.
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Allowing STO to import medicines through Aasandha-empanelled hospitals in accordance with the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) regulations.
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Ensuring that inpatients receive medicines directly from hospitals through STO.
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Implementing a digital tracking system at MFDA to monitor every imported pill and enable patients to check the availability and location of prescribed medicines.
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Developing treatment guidelines.
The Cabinet also approved measures to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines, including:
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Maintaining a continuous supply of all drugs included in the approved drug list at STO pharmacies.
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Providing medicines through STO pharmacy at the four GP (General Practice) clinics to be established in Malé.
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Establishing a GP clinic system in all regional and atoll hospitals and enabling STOC to supply medicines to patients in rural areas when specific medicines are unavailable locally.
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Expanding the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in facilitating the import of medicines.
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Investigating service delivery issues submitted to the Ministry of Health and taking necessary action.
The Cabinet's decisions aim to strengthen the availability of medicines and enhance the efficiency of the healthcare system.
