The agreement between STO and HLL Lifecare is expected to provide a permanent solution to the problem by streamlining the supply of essential medicines and improving the consistency of pharmaceutical availability across the country, ensuring that citizens have timely and reliable access to the treatments they need.
STO
The Maldives’ State Trading Organisation (STO) has signed an agreement with HLL Lifecare, an Indian pharmaceutical company, to address the ongoing medicine shortages affecting the country. In recent months, there has been growing concern over the challenges faced by citizens in accessing essential medicines from local pharmacies. These shortages have forced patients to seek alternative prescriptions or, in some cases, obtain their medication from abroad due to unavailability within the Maldives.
The agreement between STO and HLL Lifecare is expected to provide a permanent solution to the problem by streamlining the supply of essential medicines and improving the consistency of pharmaceutical availability across the country, ensuring that citizens have timely and reliable access to the treatments they need. The medicine shortage issue was addressed by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during a tour of the islands of South Nilandhe Atoll. During a meeting, the President stated that the medicine shortage was a direct consequence of the government recently putting an end to pharmacies generating excessive profits from medicine sales. During this announcement, President Muizzu gave assurance that all medicines listed on the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) essential medicine list will be available at STO pharmacies from 15 March onwards.
Under this agreement, the Maldives will have access to medicine that the country has been facing difficulties obtaining. While a temporary solution has been provided for the current shortage of basic medicine in the Maldives, the partnership with HLL aims to ensure a permanent solution to this problem, and all the medicine will be imported by WHO standards and import regulations.
Although there have been some delays in resolving the medical shortage, according to STO, the agreement signed between the company and HLL Lifecare is set to ensure the supply of medicines currently unavailable in the Maldives. HLL Lifecare Limited (HLL) is an Indian healthcare products manufacturing company which was established in 1966. The company is known for its contraceptives, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare services. By signing the agreement with HLL Lifecare, STO will be able to ensure that basic medicine is steadily streamlined into the country so that another medical shortage can be avoided.
