The import and wholesale trade of high quality medicine authorised for use in European countries by local health authorities have started with the arrival of seven types of medicines in the first phase.

The announcement was made in a joint statement by the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA), the state health insurance provider Aasandha, the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), the Finance Ministry, the Health Ministry and the State Trading Organisation (STO).

According to the statement, only medicines authorised for use in European countries by local health authorities can be bought to the Maldives under the new policy approved by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the cabinet.

Implementation of the policy started on Monday, the joint statement read. STO has decided to sell the medicines on both wholesale and retail basis under two phases and the seven medicines to be introduced first are now available, it added.

All doctors in the health sector have been informed about the policy change, the statement noted. Familiarisation programs are to be conducted until next October in order to help prepare for the change.

Full coverage of the newly imported medicine will be available from Aasandha, the statement said.