The Maldives' state pharmaceutical company, State Trading Organization subsidiary State Pharma, has held discussions with Indian officials to address challenges in medicine supply and strengthen cooperation in the healthcare sector.

The meeting, held yesterday, was attended by G. Balasubramanian and State Pharma Managing Director Dr Shah Mahir.

According to the High Commission of India in Malé, the discussions focused on expanding healthcare cooperation between the Maldives and India and ensuring an uninterrupted supply of essential medicines required in the Maldives.

The talks come amid growing public concern over shortages of several important medicines in the country. Efforts are underway to establish direct links with major Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers to import quality medicines at affordable prices.

State Pharma Managing Director Dr Shah Mahir said the current difficulties in obtaining medicines are largely due to weaknesses in the country's supply chain system. He noted that strengthening ties with a leading pharmaceutical-producing country such as India would be a key step towards resolving the issue and improving long-term medicine availability.