Pharmacies previously operated by the State Trading Organization (STO) have officially resumed operations under the management of the newly established government pharmaceutical company, State Pharma.
The pharmacies were closed on June 24 to facilitate the transition to State Pharma. Although authorities announced they would reopen later that same day, State Pharma confirmed in a statement that the outlets officially reopened yesterday.
In its statement, State Pharma emphasized that its objective is to ensure convenient access to pharmaceutical services across the entire Maldives.
"Our core mission is to facilitate easy access to medication throughout the country and remain steadfast in our commitment to further strengthening and improving the quality of these services," the statement read.
State Pharma also acknowledged that the public may encounter some challenges in accessing services during this transition phase and offered an apology for any inconvenience caused.
Furthermore, the company has introduced a 24-hour hotline to assist the public with pharmaceutical inquiries. The hotline can be reached at 1505.
A total of 194 pharmacies will now operate under State Pharma. =
The government established the pharmaceutical company amid a shortage of essential medicines. Despite STO being the importer of medicine to the Maldives, President Mohamed Muizzu has previously attributed the shortages to private sector companies.
