President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said the medicine shortage in the country is caused because of the actions of private businesses and is not connected to the government.
Speaking in Meedhoo island on Monday night, Muizzu characterised the medicine shortage as a plot by the "medical mafia" because of the government's decision to control the prices.
"Many businesses were taking money from taxes. About 1000 to 2000 percent profit. It was a big waste and that is why we solved the matter. We cut down the price and lowered it to STO [State Trading Organization] rate. When we reduced the prices, the businesses began to take measures and this caused the shortage," Muizzu said.
STO is working with special assistance from the Finance Ministry to solve the issue, he said, adding that the company is working to bring all the medicines needed for the Maldivian market.
"We will not give the medical mafia the chance to control the drugs. We are going to bring all the medicines, which are on the MFDA approved list. I guarantee that the drugs on the essential list will be delivered by March 15 and will be available in STO pharmacies without any difficulty," he said.
He added that all drugs on the approved list would be available one month later and denied the government had any role in the medicine shortage.
Muizzu is currently on a tour of Dhaalu atoll. He is accompanied by ministers and senior government officials and is set to return to Male' on Tuesday.
