India’s HLL Lifecare Ltd (a PSU under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare) signed a strategic agreement with the State Trading Organisation Plc (STO) of Maldives to ensure the continuous and affordable supply of essential medicines to Maldives under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
Key Highlights
- Implementing Agency (India): HLL Lifecare Ltd (under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare)
- Partner Agency (Maldives): State Trading Organisation Plc (STO), Govt. of Maldives
- Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
- Objective: Ensure continuous and affordable supply of essential medicines across Maldives
Strategic Importance
- Neighbourhood First Policy: Maldives is a key maritime neighbour and strategic partner under India’s Neighbourhood First, Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), and Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
- Healthcare Partnership: Helps address Maldives’ medicine stock-out issues and strengthens long-term health security.
Benefits of Agreement
- Access to Janaushadhi Network:
- Maldives will gain access to HLL’s supply chain of over 2,000 quality-assured generics and 300+ surgical items.
- Combats Drug Shortage:
- Helps eliminate recurring shortages of essential medicines across Maldives, previously burdening their national health scheme Aasandha.
- Reliable Partnership:
- HLL had earlier supplied essential medical items during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning trust as a dependable healthcare partner.
Additional India–Maldives Agreement
Emergency Financial Assistance:
- India extended financial support by rolling over USD 50 million Treasury Bills (T-bills) subscribed by State Bank of India (SBI).
- Originally issued in 2019; now extended till 11 May 2026.
- Offered interest-free, as part of India’s economic support to Maldives under Neighbourhood First Policy.
Background Context
- Maldives faced frequent shortages of essential drugs, impacting public healthcare.
- Emergency imports restored 99% availability of essential medicines by April 2025.
- This agreement ensures long-term sustainable access, replacing short-term fixes with a permanent supply chain via HLL.
About Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
| Feature | Details |
| Launch Year | 2008 (as Jan Aushadhi Scheme) |
| Rebranded As | PMBJP in 2016 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers |
| Implementing Agency | Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) |
| Objective | Provide affordable and quality generic medicines |
| Reach | Over 10,000 PMBJP Kendras across India |
- Ensures availability of generic drugs that are equivalent in efficacy and quality to branded drugs but at lower prices.
About HLL Lifecare Ltd
| Attribute | Detail |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Headquarters | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
| Initial Role | Contraceptive manufacturer for Family Planning Programme |
| Current Role | Comprehensive healthcare enterprise |
| Workforce | ~10,000 employees (including 3,900 direct employees) |
| Coverage | Supplies to 29 States & 7 UTs across India |
| Specialisation | Medical devices, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics |