Health Ministry, STO: Insulin and insulin pens available in pharmacies

Health Ministry and State Trading Organization (STO) have confirmed that insulin pens and insulin remain available, following public concern on social media over an alleged shortage of certain types of insulin required for diabetes treatment.

The unavailability of medication for common illnesses remains a major public concern in the Maldives, with reports of medicine shortages surfacing from time to time.

Aishath Jennifer, the former Deputy Managing Director of Maldivian, posted on Wednesday that ‘Novofine’ insulin pens were out of stock at pharmacies across Malé. Responding to the post, a social media user, Firash, claimed he had visited nearly all pharmacies in Malé the previous night and was unable to locate insulin pens.

When initially questioned on Thursday regarding the availability of insulin and insulin pens in the capital, Health Ministry that it would provide clarification after verifying the situation.

On Saturday night, the Ministry told Sun that while certain specific brands required by diabetic patients may be unavailable, insulin pens and insulin medication are generally accessible through pharmacies.

STO, the Maldives’ primary importer of medicines, also confirmed that insulin pens and insulin used in diabetes treatment are available at STO pharmacies.

According to available statistics, one in every ten people in the Maldives is living with diabetes.

Aminath Zeeniya, the Managing Director of Aasandha Company, acknowledged that shortages of medication, including diabetes-related medicine, remain a significant public concern and said authorities continue to receive related complaints.

Speaking at the Parliament’s Committee on State-Owned Enterprises last Tuesday, Zeeniya highlighted major challenges within the system for importing medicine and distributing it under the Aasandha scheme.

She noted that although Aasandha provides medication based on the list approved by the Maldives Food and Drug Authority, there are shortcomings in ensuring that pharmacies maintain stocks of all medicines listed on the Essential Medicines List during the registration process.

Zeeniya identified one of the most significant issues affecting medicine availability and Aasandha coverage is the frequent change in the specific brands being imported into the country.

Health Minister Geela Ali has previously stated that ensuring the supply of essential medication for illnesses affecting the public remains a key healthcare priority. She also expressed optimism that such challenges could be addressed through the establishment of a dedicated national medicine company.

In addition to the general shortage of certain medicines, concerns also persist over the lengthy time required to import medications from abroad when they are not readily available in the Maldives.