Yameen: No medicine, because there's no compassion for the people

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has stated that the shortage of essential medicines, including those used to treat chronic illnesses, stems from the government’s lack of concern for public welfare.

Complaints about medicine shortages have been growing for days. Although the government has announced various dates to resolve the issue, it remains unresolved. Earlier, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu claimed the shortage was a deliberate move by some pharmacies in response to the government’s efforts to reduce medicine prices.

Speaking at a town hall meeting, Yameen said the government must ensure access to medicines for rare and complex conditions. He questioned why the State Trading Organization (STO) is not taking responsibility for this.

Town hall meetings are civic gatherings where Yameen engages directly with citizens, party supporters, and local communities to discuss national issues and rally support for his party, the People’s National Front (PNF).

“I would like to appeal to the MD of STO to take responsibility for supplying medicines for rare diseases,” he said.

“STO is not just a place to sell goods at high prices and funnel money to [President] Muizzu. It is a people’s business company. And a people’s business company should be doing things like this,” he added.

Yameen said private pharmacies won’t import medicines that don’t sell or aren’t profitable. He questioned why STO isn’t stepping in to fill the gap, and suggested the company may be facing dollar shortages.

“If STO and Aasandha receive the necessary funds, there would be no medicine shortage,” he said.

“Then my question is, who makes free glasses for people who can’t see? If they don’t see that there’s no medicine in the Maldives, shouldn’t they be wearing glasses?” he said, criticizing the government’s response.

He also criticized the administration for laying foundation stones for rural projects and dredging land for airports, saying it reflects misplaced priorities.

“The Health Minister isn’t paying attention to this issue. And if the Health Minister is, then the Finance Minister isn’t,” he said.

Yameen alleged that the government only focuses on projects that generate money. Instead of addressing urgent issues like the medicine shortage, he said, the government is prioritizing construction and land reclamation — actions he claims show a lack of compassion.

“If they had any compassion for ordinary people, they wouldn’t be doing this,” he said. “This government has no compassion for the feelings of the common people. That’s the long and short of it.”

Despite repeated assurances, many people continue to voice concerns on social media about the lack of access to commonly used medicines, especially those needed for serious illnesses.

The government has announced the formation of a pharmaceutical company to address the issue. However, the company has stated it will take another four months to begin operations.