The State Trading Organization (STO) has introduced the products of global pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, making revolutionary progress in importing high quality medicine to the Maldives.
STO, one of the largest companies in the country and leading medical supplier, will offer the British company's products as the exclusive distributor in the Maldives.
State Minister for Health Ahmed Adil was the chief guest at a ceremony held on Saturday to announce the partnership. STO CEO Abdulla Saeed, AstraZeneca business manager Abishek Kaushik and prominent figures from the Maldives health sector attended the ceremony.
The agreement ensures imports at lower costs with a steady supply of medicine needed for persons with chronic illnesses, STO said.
As part of the agreement, 14 types of medicine from AstraZeneca would be registered for Asandha coverage, including medication for diabetes, cancer and gastritis.
STO said the company's aim was to import high quality products and medical equipment directly from producers without an intermediary.
Speaking at the ceremony, STO CEO Saeed noted that AstraZeneca was a trusted brand that became a household name during the pandemic. Efforts are underway to sign agreements directly with 26 other companies to import medical consumables and machinery, he said.
The government recently signed an agreement with UNDP to improve the quality of medicine imported to the Maldives and to ensure an affordable and steady supply through STO.
The agreement for wholesale medicine imports through the UNDP's global health procurement service was signed in June. The agreement lowers the cost for STO's medicine imports, reduces prices in the Maldives and supports the sustainable development of capacity building in the public health sector.
