StatePharma to Collaborate with AstraZeneca on Medicine Procurement

StatePharma, the government-owned pharmaceutical company, has begun discussions with AstraZeneca, one of Europe’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturers, as part of efforts to strengthen medicine procurement and improve access to essential medicines in the Maldives.

According to Sun Online, senior officials from StatePharma recently met with representatives of AstraZeneca to discuss ways to enhance access to medicines and healthcare services required in the country.

StatePharma said the discussions focused on strengthening mechanisms to ensure the reliable procurement of essential medicines and establishing a long-term partnership between the two companies. The meeting also explored priority areas for further development of the Maldivian healthcare sector.

The company said its main objective is to ensure that high-quality medicines are consistently available to the public. As part of this effort, StatePharma is seeking partnerships with leading international pharmaceutical manufacturers to strengthen the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain and improve the nationwide availability of medicines.

AstraZeneca was among the major suppliers of COVID-19 vaccines administered in the Maldives during the global pandemic.

The development comes as StatePharma also works on plans to establish regional medical warehouses in three locations across the country.

StatePharma Managing Director Dr. Shah Abdulla Mahir recently said during the national radio programme “Ahaashey Bunaanan” that the warehouse project is currently in the planning stage.

Medicine shortages have remained a longstanding public concern in the Maldives, with patients frequently reporting difficulties in obtaining prescribed medication. Some patients have also faced significant out-of-pocket expenses for medicines that are unavailable or not covered under the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha.

StatePharma was established to address such challenges and strengthen the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain. The company officially began importing medicines in April, six months after its establishment.

Through partnerships with major international pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca and the planned expansion of its storage and distribution network, StatePharma aims to improve the reliability and availability of essential medicines across the Maldives.