State Pharma: Pharmacies have resumed normal payment processing

The State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (State Pharma) states all pharmacies operating under its management have resumed normal payment processing. 

To facilitate the transfer of these pharmacies to the newly established corporation, all outlets formerly managed by State Trade Organization (STO) were closed for three days beginning last Wednesday.

In response to a question posed by Sun on Monday, STO confirmed that the transfer of all pharmacies to the State Pharma has been successfully completed.

Amid the transition, some members of the public raised concerns, claiming that payment systems had not been updated and that pharmacies were accepting cash payments only.

Addressing these concerns, State Pharma’s Managing Director, Dr. Shah Mahir, refuted the claims, stating that all standard payment methods remain fully operational across all pharmacies.

"Services through the Aasandha system are active, and card payments as well as cash payments are being accepted. As of now, there are no such issues regarding payment processing," Dr. Shah stated.

Public concern over shortages of prescribed medicines has remained persistent. In an effort to address these issues and improve the efficiency of the pharmaceutical supply chain, the government established a dedicated pharmaceutical corporation. However, the company only announced the commencement of medicine imports in April, six months after its establishment.

The continued shortage of essential medicines remains a significant concern for the public. Many patients report having to visit multiple pharmacies in search of prescribed medication, while others continue to face substantial out-of-pocket costs when required medicines are not covered under the Aasandha scheme.