Development of new pharmacies in 11 islands
Almost all the 187 inhabited islands of the Maldives already have some form of pharmacy as health centres are built in islands that still do not have an official hospital.
Healthcare on islands has been an ongoing discussion, especially in recent times as people have started talking about the lack of development when it comes to inhabited islands and the health sector. Along with the lack of well-developed hospitals, the islands also lack good pharmacies that provide necessary medication for the locals.
While developments continue to take place in all sectors ranging from housing to healthcare when it comes to the capital, many from the islands have eagerly been waiting for their turn. And it appears that after the long wait, islands might finally be getting some development on this front.
On 12th September 2022, the Ministry of Health signed an agreement with the State Trading Organisation of Maldives (STO) to develop pharmacies in 11 islands of the Maldives. The new pharmacies are set to be developed in Ha.Thuraakunu, Ha.Thakandhoo, N.Landhoo, B.Dhonfanu, A.Dh Dhigurah, M.Kolhufushi, M.Maduvvari, M. Raiymandhoo, Th.Omadhoo, Ga.Kanduhulhudhoo and Ga.Kolamaafushi.
Almost all islands of the Maldives already have some form of pharmacy as health centres are built in islands that still do not have an official hospital. However, under the agreement that was signed between the Health Ministry and the STO, the new pharmacies will be built in the compounds of the health centre rather than inside the centre itself.
The construction of pharmacies and the development of health centres in smaller islands of the Maldives has been an ongoing effort by the government to provide accessible healthcare in local islands of the Maldives; however, the efforts have yet to pay off, as many people still travel to the capital city for their health needs.
