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StatePharma MD Dr Shah Mahir speaks during the meeting held with B.Eydhafushi Council, July 6, 2026. (Facebook Photo/Secretariat of South Maalhosmadulu Eydhafushi Council)

State Pharmaceutical & Medical Supply Corporation (StatePharma) is seeking more than 100 additional pharmacists as it works to expand and improve medicine dispensing services across the Maldives.

StatePharma Managing Director Dr Shah Mahir said the company currently does not have enough pharmacists to meet its operational requirements, particularly at pharmacies responsible for dispensing medicines to the public.

Speaking on PSM News’ Raajje Miadhu programme, Dr Shah said recent efforts to recruit pharmacists had not attracted enough applicants. As a result, the company is also considering bringing in pharmacists from overseas.

StatePharma is simultaneously working with local higher education institutions to encourage more students to pursue pharmacy-related studies and increase the future pool of qualified pharmacists.

The company is preparing to establish an agreement with the Maldives National University (MNU) to support pharmacist training. The discussions include encouraging students to enter the field, providing employment opportunities after graduation and allowing students to gain practical experience while studying.

Dr Shah said similar arrangements are expected to be discussed with two other educational institutions.

He also highlighted the need for clinical pharmacists and doctors to support StatePharma’s efforts to maintain an effective medicine supply system. He added that pharmacist salaries should be reviewed as part of efforts to address recruitment difficulties.

The company is also focusing on strengthening its logistics workforce, with plans to provide training in warehouse management, medicine distribution and other areas related to the supply chain.

Additional technical staff are being sought to help maintain medicine quality and improve the company’s operations.

StatePharma currently distributes medicines through 193 pharmacies across the Maldives and is working with hospitals and health centres to improve the storage, handling and distribution of medicines to different islands.