Maldives Government Targets Unlicensed Healthcare Providers and Imposes Stricter Price Controls on Medicine
Crackdown on Unlicensed Healthcare Providers
The Maldives Health Ministry has issued a firm warning to unregistered and unlicensed healthcare service providers, stating that legal action will be taken against those operating without the proper certifications. In a statement released today, the ministry emphasized that all healthcare services must be registered under the Healthcare Service Centre Registration Regulations and must obtain a valid operating license.
"Providing health services without proper registration and licensing is a violation of Article 20 of the Health Services Act. Action will be taken against those found in breach of this law," the ministry declared.
The warning comes in response to rising concerns about unregulated alternative medical practices being offered across the country. The ministry specifically highlighted instances where alternative medical services are being provided without the necessary approvals, warning that these practices will face legal consequences. Among those currently under investigation is Fazeela Usman, a practitioner of cupping therapy, whose clinic, Faxy's Hijama, has been ordered to comply with registration requirements.
Presidential Directive on Medicine Price Controls
In a parallel move, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has directed authorities to enforce existing laws to control the price of medicines sold in the Maldives. In a post on social media platform X, the President expressed concern over the excessive profits being charged by pharmacies, with some drugs reportedly marked up by as much as 2,000%.
President Muizzu has instructed the relevant authorities to implement stringent price control measures to bring down the cost of prescription drugs. The President noted that controlling drug prices would not only lower healthcare costs for citizens but also reduce the financial burden on the state’s health insurance scheme, Aasandha. The savings from reduced drug prices, he explained, could be reinvested into strengthening the healthcare system.
"Excessive profit margins on medication will be addressed to bring down costs for Aasandha, thereby allowing us to further improve the health services we provide," the President said, promising that details of the new measures will be announced soon.
Regulatory Background and Previous Attempts
Under previously issued regulations by the Health Ministry, the maximum allowable profit margin on medicines was capped at 100%. However, enforcement of these regulations has been inconsistent. The previous government had also attempted to introduce price controls for 357 essential medicines listed by the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), but the initiative faced delays due to opposition from pharmacy operators.
The Finance Ministry had estimated that these price control measures could save the government up to MVR 205 million annually, though progress has been slow.
Implications for Healthcare in the Maldives
With both the crackdown on unlicensed healthcare providers and the renewed focus on medicine price controls, significant changes are expected in the Maldives healthcare system. Citizens can look forward to a more regulated environment for alternative health services and lower costs for essential medications, ultimately leading to more accessible and affordable healthcare across the nation.