The government decided to reduce the price of essential medication by 33 percent compared to the previous year.

The announcement was made in the Strategic Action Plan (SAP) of the government for the next five years. At a special ceremony held at Dharubaaruge last night, the plan was inaugurated by the President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

A total of 11 projects were included in the SAP under the Health sector including the reduction of the price of essential medication by 33 percent by 2023.

The SAP say that the nations Disease Burden, including illnesses, disabilities and injuries, is at 78 percent.

Challenges facing the health sector noted in the plan include failing to provide adequate health services. And the SAP aims to develop a health system to provide the service.

National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has previously said that a system to provide full coverage for people seeking treatment abroad will be introduced by the end of the year.

The five-year SAP is divided to five main parts; Blue Economy, Caring Government, Proud Family, Island Living and Good Governance.