STO: Shortage of hypertension medication 'Covam' at STO pharmacies caused by supplier's failure to deliver
Patients relying on the blood pressure medication "Co-Vam" have expressed growing concern as the drug has run out of stock in the Maldivian market. According to STO, the shortage was caused by supplier-related issues, forcing patients to either purchase the medication at significantly higher prices or consult doctors to switch to alternative treatments.
"Covam 5/80," a medication commonly prescribed to patients suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure). | Google | Google
The State Trading Organization (STO) has stated that the shortage of "Covam 5/80," a medication commonly prescribed for hypertension, across its pharmacies is due to supply chain disruptions faced by the local distributor.
Customers visiting STO pharmacies to obtain this medication have been informed that it is currently out of stock. Furthermore, STO pharmacy outlets have stated that they are unable to provide a specific timeline for when the medication will become available again.
According to pharmacies in Malé, demand for this medication remains unchanged despite significant supply shortages over the past few weeks. Due to the unavailability of the medicine, patients are now being forced to seek alternative brands, consult doctors for substitute prescriptions, or purchase the medication at higher prices from private providers.
Patients have noted that this medication is unavailable in most private pharmacies, with some reporting it is completely out of stock. This situation has sparked growing concern among those who rely on the medication daily to manage their blood pressure.
When contacted by RaajjeMV regarding the matter, a media official from the State Trading Organization (STO) clarified that "Kovum" is not a brand imported by the organization. The official further stated that the medication is a product registered and imported into the Maldives by a private company, Medicup.
He further noted that although these brand-name medicines were previously available at STO pharmacies through the Medicup program, they are currently out of stock due to supply chain challenges faced by the local distributor.
Despite the government's repeated assurances that arrangements are in place to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential medicines and that no shortages will occur, various stakeholders continue to express concern over the unavailability of many commonly used medications.
Despite the gravity of the situation, government lawmakers have voted to dismiss an emergency motion filed in Parliament. The motion sought to bring the government's attention to the critical shortage of essential medicines, which has reportedly placed numerous lives at risk, and to facilitate a formal debate on the matter.
