State Pharma targets to ensure availability of all ranges of antibiotics across Maldives

The State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation (State Pharma) has launched efforts to ensure the continuous availability of a comprehensive range of antibiotics throughout the Maldives.

State Pharma’s Managing Director Dr. Shah Mahir said the initiative is intended to provide a long-term solution to the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a condition in which infections become resistant to available treatments. He described AMR as one of the world's most pressing public health concerns.

He underscored collaboration among all healthcare stakeholders to ensure access to a broad range of antibiotic classes is essential to providing patients with the most effective treatment options. Dr. Shah went onto reiterate his earlier sentiments, emphasizing that the Corporation's primary objective is not to maximize profits, but to ensure the uninterrupted availability of essential medicines for the public.

Outlining measures to strengthen the country's pharmaceutical supply system, Dr. Shah said State Pharma is developing a modern digital platform to support bulk procurement based on projected national demand. The system will also enable real-time monitoring of medicine stocks, allowing potential shortages to be identified and addressed promptly.

As part of this initiative, the corporation is implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to improve inventory management and reinforce the national pharmaceutical supply chain.

While medicines that are unavailable locally are currently imported on a prescription basis, Dr. Shah said the Corporation's long-term strategy is to forecast demand and maintain a one- to two-year buffer stock of essential medicines. He added that State Pharma has also begun consultations with island health centres and hospitals to identify regional requirements and reduce medicine wastage.

State Pharma was established in September last year under a special decree issued by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to centralize the importation and distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. On July 1 this year, responsibility for 193 pharmacies nationwide and more than 500 employees, previously managed by the State Trading Organization (STO), was officially transferred to State Pharma. Following the transition, the corporation has fully commenced operations, including the launch of a 24-hour call centre to improve public access to its services.