STO to reintroduce counter-based requests for medicines
At present, individuals are required to submit requests through the Vira portal using their eFaas.
Top Stories
Dr Shah Mahir has announced plans to revise the process for importing medicines not available in the Maldives, with responsibility expected to shift from individuals to State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation Limited pharmacies.
At present, individuals are required to submit requests through the Vira portal using their eFaas. Imports are processed after approval from the National Social Protection Agency.
The system has been subject to public concern due to delays in approvals and technical issues with the portal. The matter was discussed during a meeting of the Parliament SOE Committee Maldives.
The meeting followed a submission by Mohamed Ibrahim regarding difficulties faced by the public in obtaining medicines from abroad.
Speaking at the session, Shah Mahir said the current system, which requires individuals to manage submissions, has created challenges.
“Previously, prescriptions were submitted at STO counters. The shift to the Vira portal led to difficulties for citizens. We plan to return to the earlier system,” he said.
Under the proposed changes, individuals will be able to present prescriptions at STO pharmacies if medicines are not available locally. Pharmacy staff will then manage the procurement process, including submission through the portal where required.
The option for individuals to submit requests through the portal will remain available.
Shah Mahir said the change is part of the company’s operational plans.
He added that a call centre established to handle medicine-related inquiries has received a high number of requests. Over the past month, around 700 prescriptions have been processed through this system.
Similar levels of demand have been reported by Aasandha and the NSPA.
The managing director also said further system changes are planned by March next year to allow tracking of medicine requests. These measures are expected to reduce delays, with commonly requested medicines to be supplied within two weeks of submission.
