First Lady says ensuring quality medicines is a top national priority

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed on Wednesday said her top priority is to ensure uninterrupted access to quality medicines. 

She made the remarks during her visit to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) in Islamabad, where she addressed senior officials and staff as part of her ongoing visit to Pakistan.

She noted that providing continuous access to safe, quality-assured medicines remains a top national responsibility for an island nation like the Maldives, where communities are geographically dispersed. She stressed that public confidence in medicines can only be upheld through strong scientific standards, robust regulatory institutions and constructive international cooperation.

Highlighting the long-standing bilateral relations between the Maldives and Pakistan, the First Lady thanked Pakistan for its support to the Maldivian health sector, including the deployment of Pakistani medical professionals and the training of Maldivian doctors, nurses and health workers. She also described the Memorandum of Understanding on Health Cooperation as an important step forward, noting that the framework will facilitate technical exchange, capacity building and the sharing of regulatory best practices.

First Lady @sajidhaamohamed visits the National Institute of Health (NIH), one of Pakistan’s principal federal public-health institutions. The visit offered an opportunity to gain insights into the institute’s work in public health and healthcare research. #MaldivesPakistan https://t.co/u4nE2RpWye

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) October 21, 2026

She said the true value of the partnership will be reflected in stronger health systems and positive changes in people’s lives. Concluding her remarks, the First Lady thanked the Government and people of Pakistan. The President’s Office added that she also expressed appreciation for the efforts of DRAP officials and employees in safeguarding public health and expressed hope for further strengthening of bilateral cooperation.

Before visiting DRAP, the First Lady toured the National Institute of Health in Islamabad.