The first shipment of European quality medicines brought in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) under the bulk procurement rule will be available at STO pharmacies starting today.

Facilitating the availability of European standard medicines in thee Maldives was a presidential pledge of President Dr Mohammed Muizzu.

The Ministry of Health, Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), National Social Protection Agency (NSPA), STO and Finance Ministry said in a joint press release today that the government, in collaboration with UNDP, has started bulk procurement of quality and safe medicines. The project will ensure that all basic medicines are available in the Maldives.

The drugs brought under the project are purchased directly from the pharmaceutical manufacturer and ensured safety from the manufacturing to the patient.

Under the policy, imports have been and will continue to be allowed for products that have passed UNDP and MFDA standards, along with registration with the World Health Organization or a stringent regulatory authority, the government said.

As a result, only medicines approved by the health authorities of European countries will be used in the Maldives under this policy, the government said.

"The policy will be implemented in two phases. The first seven drugs will be available through STO at wholesale and retail from today," the government said.

The government said the European standard drug is now available in the Maldives and the necessary changes will be made to the relevant systems including the Aasandha system.

European standard medicines will also get full coverage, but the government said it would prevent major issues within the Aasandha system and facilitate price control. The result will be to provide the best quality medicines to the people and save a lot of money on medicines through Aasandha, the government said.