The state-owned pharmaceutical company has inaugurated its first pharmacy at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Male'.
The newly established "StatePharma IGMH Pharmacy" officially began operations on 20 May,, offering round-the-clock service to patients and marking the beginning of a comprehensive transformation in the country's pharmaceutical distribution system.
The pharmacy was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by Male' City Group of Hospitals Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem and State Pharmaceutical Company Managing Director Dr Shah Mahir.
Located within the Outpatient Department area of IGMH, the facility is envisioned as a model for similar establishments to be rolled out across the archipelago, according to company officials.
State Pharmaceutical Company highlighted that the 24-hour service model reflects the administration's commitment to ensuring that citizens can access essential medical supplies without facing the difficulties that have plagued the healthcare system for years. The pharmacy will dispense medications according to prescriptions while also maintaining stocks of commonly required medicines. The company has also announced plans to procure pharmaceutical products from international markets that are currently not available through existing supply chains in the Maldives, addressing a critical gap in the nation's healthcare infrastructure.
The establishment of the State Pharmaceutical Company represents one of the administration's most ambitious healthcare initiatives. Founded by presidential decree in September of last year, the company was created specifically to tackle the persistent challenge of medicine shortages that have affected communities across the Maldives. During the intervening months, the company has focused on developing its operational framework and conducting extensive research to identify the root causes of supply chain vulnerabilities.
A major component of this transformation involves the planned transfer of all existing pharmacies operating under the State Trading Organization (STO) to State Pharmaceutical Company's management, with the transition scheduled to commence in July. To support this consolidation, the company is actively working to establish a centralised monitoring system that will provide real-time visibility into medication stock levels across all state pharmacies throughout the country.
The expansion of services has created immediate staffing requirements, and the company has issued a call for qualified professionals to join its growing team. State Pharmaceutical Company is actively recruiting pharmacists and pharmacy assistants, with applications open until 30 May. Preferred candidates should hold a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Pharmacy accompanied by one to four years of relevant professional experience.
To provide citizens with a direct channel for reporting difficulties in accessing medications, the company has also introduced a dedicated hotline service. Available twenty-four hours daily, the hotline can be accessed from anywhere in the Maldives, enabling patients to report shortages, request assistance, or seek guidance on medication availability.