State Pharmaceutical & Medical Supply Corporation Ltd (StatePharma) Managing Director Dr Shah Mahir has said the company still needs more than 100 pharmacists to expand and strengthen its services.
Speaking on PSM News’ "Raajje Miadhu" programme, Dr Shah Mahir highlighted the shortage of pharmacists currently working at StatePharma.
Dr Shah said the number of pharmacists working at the company’s pharmacies to dispense medicines remains insufficient. He said more than 100 pharmacists are needed to further strengthen the system. Although efforts are under way to recruit pharmacists, he noted that recent recruitment advertisements had not received a strong response, adding that the company is also seeking to recruit pharmacists from abroad.
He said StatePharma is also working with colleges and universities in the Maldives to train pharmacists. As part of these efforts, the company is preparing to establish an agreement with the Maldives National University.
“We have discussed how to generate interest among students in this field, how to provide job security after they complete the course, and how they can work with us while undergoing training. We will also discuss similar training with two other institutions,” Dr Shah Mahir said.
He added that, in addition to pharmacists and clinical pharmacists, doctors would also need to provide support in the company’s efforts to ensure the supply of medicines to the public. He also noted that pharmacists’ salaries need to be reviewed further.
Dr Shah said employees involved in logistics also need to receive relevant training. He said efforts are under way to train staff involved in streamlining warehouse operations and medicine distribution. The company is also working to recruit additional employees to ensure the quality of medicines, provide them with the necessary training and recruit the required technical personnel.
StatePharma currently supplies medicines through 193 pharmacies across the Maldives. The company is also working to strengthen systems for the safe storage and distribution of medicines to different islands, in coordination with hospitals and health centres.