Electronic system to be established to forecast shortages and resolve medicine supply issues
State Pharmaceuticals has announced that a digital e-logistics system will be established by September to forecast and maintain essential medicine stocks across the Maldives. While the company stated that the system will track patient numbers in various islands to ensure an uninterrupted supply of medication, the public continues to voice concerns as the ongoing challenges in accessing medicine remain unresolved.
Dr. Shah Mahir speaking on a programme. | RaajjeMV
Managing Director of State Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Shah Mahir, has announced that an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and digital e-logistics system is being established to resolve the ongoing pharmaceutical challenges in the Maldives.
Speaking on a PSM program, Dr. Mahir stated that the medication required for next year must be stockpiled by the end of this year. He added that the systems currently being established will enable the forecasting of future pharmaceutical needs well in advance.
He stated that in the ten months since the establishment of State Pharmaceuticals, efforts have focused on developing a parallel system, conducting staff training, and researching solutions to address medicine shortages.
Furthermore, Dr. Mahir stated that efforts to monitor and oversee pharmacies were carried out on July 1.
Dr. Mahir stated that once this electronic system is established, it will be possible to determine the quantity of medicines required for common ailments, allowing for orders to be placed and stocked for periods of one to two years.
Furthermore, Dr. Mahir stated that the installation of this system is expected to be completed by September of this year.
In smaller populations, particularly on smaller islands, if we can identify the exact number of residents living with diabetes, we can ensure a continuous and uninterrupted supply of medication. This data allows us to maintain stock with the certainty that those essential medicines will be utilized.Dr. Shah Mahir
Since President Muizzu assumed office, a significant number of citizens have been raising concerns regarding medicine shortages. President Muizzu has previously stated that the government intends to source high-quality pharmaceuticals from Europe, rather than relying solely on India for medical supplies.
Amidst a worsening medicine shortage, President Muizzu moved to address the crisis by transferring the management of pharmacies from STO to a newly established entity, State Pharmaceuticals. However, despite ten months having passed since the company's inception, members of the public have noted that the difficulties in accessing essential medication remain unresolved.
