Parliament rejects emergency motion on medicine shortage
The motion also stated that many people are resorting to social media to seek help locating pharmacies with available stock.
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Parliament on Wednesday rejected an emergency motion on the shortage of medicines in the country, with 36 MPs voting against it.
The motion was submitted by Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim of the MDP, who sought to draw the government’s attention to ongoing public complaints about difficulties in obtaining essential medicines in the Maldives.
MP Mohamed Ibrahim noted in his motion that:
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Members of the public continue to report difficulty accessing medicines that were previously available through the Aasandha scheme
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Many people say they are unable to purchase medicines even at higher prices
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Residents report visiting multiple pharmacies without finding all prescribed medicines
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Several essential medicines are reportedly unavailable
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Shortages are affecting people with serious and chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, elderly patients and pregnant women
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Specialised medicines for these groups have been out of stock for several days
The motion also stated that many people are resorting to social media to seek help locating pharmacies with available stock.
MP Mohamed Ibrahim said the bulk procurement system established by the previous government through an agreement with UNDP has not been implemented by the current administration, contributing to shortages. He further noted that the government has not been able to import sufficient quantities of essential medicines despite earlier announcements that pharmaceuticals would be sourced from European suppliers.
Only 11 MPs voted in favour of the motion. With 36 votes against, the motion was dismissed and not debated further.
