Medicine shortages are being caused by deliberate actions of a "medicine mafia" in Maldives aimed at inflicting hardship on public: President Muizzu
27 ޖުލައި 2026 | ހޯމަ 06:41The President has stated that a "medicine mafia" dominating the local market has been intentionally creating drug shortages in response to government measures aimed at curbing inflated profit margins exceeding 2,000 percent through the Aasandha scheme. To address this issue, the government has launched initiatives via "State Pharma," with the President assuring that a permanent solution to the medication scarcity will be achieved within the next three months.
A pharmacy previously operating in Alif Alif Atoll Bodufolhudhoo — several private pharmacies across the islands have now closed their doors due to persistent challenges in sourcing and supplying medication. | Alamy
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the current medicine shortages facing the Maldivian people are a result of deliberate actions by a "medicine mafia" operating within the country to inflict hardship on the public.
Speaking at the official Independence Day ceremony held on Sunday, President Muizzu characterized those involved in the Maldives' pharmaceutical trade as a "mafia."
President Muizzu noted that the country is currently navigating a very challenging period regarding the supply and management of pharmaceuticals.
"A medicine mafia exists here"President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
President Muizzu noted that the government has established a maximum retail price as a solution to this issue.
President Muizzu stated that a "mafia" had been exploiting the state health insurance scheme, Aasandha, to reap profits exceeding 2,000 percent on certain types of medicine at the expense of public funds.
"We have brought an end to this wastage and leakage for the sake of the citizens."President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
President Muizzu stated that, as a result, more than 500 million Rufiyaa will be saved annually.
President Muizzu stated that the medicine shortages were caused by deliberate actions taken by certain parties to inflict hardship on the public, in retaliation for measures implemented by the government. However, he did not specify the exact nature of these actions.
President Muizzu stated that the government-established pharmaceutical company, State Pharma, will resolve this issue.
"Therefore, the government's initiative to establish state farms is progressing steadily, step by step, as we have already begun the necessary work."President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
President Muizzu stated that a permanent solution to the ongoing medicine shortage will be implemented within the next two to three months.
President Muizzu stated that the public will see a comprehensive resolution to the medicine shortage, ensuring that citizens no longer have any cause for concern regarding the issue.
"God willing, we will achieve this. I give that assurance to the beloved citizens of Maldives"President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
