Healthcare access, medicine shortages raised at president’s public meetings

Concerns over access to healthcare services and essential medicines were among the main issues raised during President Mohamed Muizzu’s ongoing public meetings in Malé.

Several participants highlighted difficulties in obtaining essential medicines, including those required for the treatment of chronic illnesses. Complaints were also raised about service delivery at the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA).

One resident told the meeting that he had been attempting for several days to obtain a prescribed vaccine required for his mother, who is undergoing treatment for heart and lung conditions. He said the vaccine was not available locally and that repeated attempts to obtain it through existing procedures had been unsuccessful.

According to the resident, the vaccine was not available at the State Trading Organisation (STO) pharmacy and he was instructed to apply through an online portal. He said the application process involved repeated requests for additional information and that he was later informed the vaccine would not be covered by NSPA or Aasandha. He added that the vaccine was not available at any pharmacy in the Maldives.

He also raised concerns about service access at NSPA, stating that when he visited the agency during working hours, only one service counter was open, with several people waiting in line, including elderly and disabled individuals. He said he was unable to complete the process within the limited time available during his work break.

The resident further stated that some medicines required for chronic conditions are not included in the basic medicine list and are used by a small number of patients. In such cases, he said, medicines are usually imported by STO after a prescription is submitted and NSPA approves payment. However, he said approval now takes longer and some requests are no longer approved, even when accompanied by a doctor’s recommendation.

Another participant at the meeting said that treatment services and medicines provided by hospitals in the Maldives do not meet patient needs. He stated that he had sought treatment locally for two months for a medical condition that limited his mobility, without improvement. He said his condition improved only after receiving treatment abroad.

He also raised concerns about the online application system used to request medicines that are not available locally, stating that the process requires repeated submissions due to incomplete documentation. He questioned how elderly patients manage such procedures and suggested that the process be revised.

Several participants asked for changes to the existing system, including allowing STO to import prescribed medicines directly, as was done previously. They said this would reduce delays and improve access to treatment for patients who rely on medicines that are not readily available in the Maldives.