Difficulties faced by patients in obtaining prescribed medications are largely linked to weaknesses in the pharmaceutical supply chain, which has not expanded at the same pace as the country's healthcare sector, according to State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation Limited (State Pharma).

Managing Director Dr Shah Abdulla Mahir said improving access to medicines remains one of the company's top priorities as it works to address longstanding gaps in the system.

As part of these efforts, State Pharma began a prescription fulfilment service in April and has since provided medications to more than 1,000 people across the country.

Dr Shah explained that ensuring a reliable supply of medicines involves a number of challenges, including regulatory procedures, international procurement processes, and strict storage and transportation requirements for temperature-sensitive products.

He also noted that differences in billing systems and medication classifications across institutions have created additional obstacles, highlighting the need for greater standardisation throughout the sector.

According to State Pharma, internal assessments found that only around a quarter of the medicines used nationwide are registered through the State Trading Organisation's supply network.

To improve availability and price stability, the company is collaborating with private-sector partners while expanding procurement efforts to maintain larger medicine stocks.

Dr Shah said the current situation reflects a mismatch between the rapid development of healthcare services and the slower evolution of supporting logistics and supply systems.

State Pharma is now implementing reforms aimed at strengthening medicine distribution, streamlining procurement, and improving stock management.

The company expects these measures to deliver noticeable improvements in access to medicines over the coming months.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to ensure patients can obtain prescribed treatments more efficiently while supporting the continued growth of the national healthcare system.