The government is working to ensure that basic medicines will be available from every pharmacy in the Maldives by the end of this year.
Minister of Health and Family Dr. Aisha Ali said efforts are under way to make essential drugs accessible through pharmacies on all islands. A list of required basic medicines has already been standardised, and each pharmacy is expected to stock at least 80 percent of the items assigned to its grade.
A dedicated hotline, 1505, has been established to help the public locate medicines. The service operates 24 hours a day and can be reached from anywhere in the country.
The measure targets people who require long-term medication and seeks to reduce the need to travel to Malé or other centres for routine supplies. State pharmacies and private outlets are both covered under the arrangements.
The minister said the goal is to complete the system within the current year so that supply gaps are minimised. Implementation depends on coordination between the State Pharmaceutical Company and individual pharmacies.
No nationwide shortage figures were released alongside the announcement. The hotline is intended to provide real-time guidance on availability.
