Arushad Ahmed

For months, thalassaemia patients have been struggling to get their essential iron chelation medicines. Every time supplies run out, we are given barely two weeks’ worth and told to wait again. “A shipment is coming.” “It’s on the way.” “It will arrive soon.” Yet the shortages continue. These are not medicines we take occasionally. We need them every day, for the rest of our lives. We cannot put our illness on hold until the next shipment arrives. And this is not just a thalassaemia problem. We recognize that medicine shortages are affecting people across the Maldives, especially those living with chronic illnesses who depend on lifelong medication and regular injections. Patients needing treatment for osteoporosis, hormonal deficiencies, and other complications have also gone eight months or longer without essential medicines. Some manage to secure a month's supply, only to face months of uncertainty again. Interrupting certain treatments can have serious, lasting consequences. This is not merely an inconvenience; it puts people's health at risk. We understand that establishing a new state pharmaceutical system comes with challenges. But how long can the same excuses continue? State Pharma was meant to ensure access to essential medicines. Patients deserve more than shipment announcements and empty promises. They deserve a system that delivers. And here's what makes this even harder to accept: Parliament’s Finance Committee reportedly took just 82 minutes to approve MVR 39.5 million in annual pay rises and allowances for senior officials and over 600 island councillors. When it comes to their own salaries and benefits, decisions move fast. When it comes to patients waiting months for essential medicines, suddenly everything takes time. If MPs cite struggling constituents to justify higher salaries, shouldn't we ask why people must turn to politicians for help with basic healthcare in the first place? We are not asking for luxuries. We are asking for the medicines our lives and health depend on. And to those responsible: if you cannot even ensure that people have access to essential medicines, do the country a favor and resign. Go home. If you're not willing to do that, then stop making excuses, get your act together, and do the job you're being paid to do. The public didn't elect you to make promises. They elected you to deliver. Enough promises. Enough excuses. Patients need their medicines, not another announcement that they're on the way. @MMuizzu @DrShahMahir @geelaali @presidencymv @hrcmv @MCGH_MV @22halex @statepharmamv