Maldives faces significant challenges in procuring essential medicines and medical supplies required for the healthcare sector: UN Special Rapporteur

Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, has stated that the Maldives faces significant challenges in procuring essential medicines and medical supplies vital for the healthcare sector.

During her official visit to the Maldives from April 26 to May 7, 2026, she assessed the procedures implemented by the country to guarantee the full realization of health rights, as well as the challenges faced in this endeavor.

The study assessed the accessibility, acceptability, and affordability of healthcare services, while also evaluating the overall quality of care provided.

Furthermore, following meetings with government ministries and civil society organizations regarding the Maldives' health situation, Special Rapporteur Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng informed the press that while the country's healthcare system has seen progress, a significant portion of the population still faces challenges in accessing essential medicines. She noted that there are difficulties in obtaining critical emergency medications in hospitals and highlighted a severe shortage of essential drugs required for the treatment of mental health conditions.

Considering the right to health and the current situation in the Maldives, one of the most significant concerns is the difficulty in accessing medicine and medical supplies. This includes challenges in management, availability, affordability, and the impact of quality on patient outcomes. In my observations of hospitals and clinics across the atolls, healthcare professionals are working tirelessly to bridge these gaps. There are also notable challenges in procuring medication for chronic illnesses. It is essential to ensure that patients with conditions such as diabetes and hypertension have guaranteed, uninterrupted access to their necessary medications every month.

UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health, Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng

Highlighting one of the primary challenges in procuring medical supplies and pharmaceuticals for the Maldives, the Rapporteur noted that approximately 60 percent of the total healthcare expenditure is spent on medicine. However, due to the relatively small volume of supplies required by the country, international companies show little interest in exporting pharmaceuticals and medical equipment to the Maldives from a commercial profit standpoint. To address this issue, the Rapporteur emphasized the necessity of establishing maximum price ceilings for the sale of medicines.

The Rapporteur stated that considerations in the healthcare sector should not be driven solely by profit. He emphasized that a robust system must ensure continuous public access to medicine, and urged the government to work towards establishing a procurement process that is both transparent and free from corruption.

The Rapporteur emphasized that the government must establish more robust policies to secure agreements and ensure a steady supply of medicine and medical equipment. Acknowledging the government's ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges, the Rapporteur noted that discussions have been held with the State Trading Organization (STO), as well as various relevant agencies and stakeholders. He further expressed optimism that these current initiatives will lead to a sustainable solution to the issue.