The State Trading Organization (STO) has assured the public that the ongoing inventory process within its pharmacy network will not impede access to essential medicines.

The stock counting, scheduled from June 24 to 26, is part of a strategic transition of pharmacies to the newly formed State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (StatePharma). While STO initially announced a temporary service suspension for inventory purposes, StatePharma Managing Director Dr. Shah Mahir confirmed that medicine distribution will continue without interruption.

Dr. Mahir emphasized that despite potential minor delays due to the audit, critical medical supplies and emergency treatments remain accessible. He noted that the transition is meticulously planned to ensure that residents in all islands can obtain prescribed medications without hardship.

Established on September 9 last year, StatePharma was created to streamline the national health supply chain. The company focuses on expanding medical equipment imports and enhancing the distribution of pharmaceutical products across the Maldives.