Dr. Shah Mahir, the Managing Director of State Pharmaceuticals, has stated that establishing accurate projections for the country’s medicinal requirements can significantly reduce the volume of expired medications that are discarded. Currently, between 10% and 20% of the Maldives’ pharmaceutical stock is wasted. However, more precise forecasting and strategic ordering will facilitate the procurement of medicines with longer shelf lives and substantially reduce waste.
The establishment of a dedicated state enterprise for pharmaceutical imports is a pivotal step towards regulating drug prices and curbing the substantial expenditure on medications within the Aasandha scheme and the broader healthcare budget. Furthermore, closer collaboration with healthcare providers will ensure the consistent availability of essential medicines, providing a sustainable solution to the long-standing issue of pharmaceutical shortages.
