STO to Transform Hulhumalé Smart Store into Pharmacy

Business

State Trading Organisation (STO) announced plans to convert its Hulhumalé Smart Store into a fully operational pharmacy within the next two weeks, signaling a shift in focus to meet public healthcare needs.

Speaking at STO’s Annual General Meeting last night, Managing Director Shimad Ibrahim confirmed that the Smart Store, which opened in July 2023 featuring Artificial Intelligence (AI) for enhanced operations, will soon be repurposed for pharmaceutical services. Despite the store’s innovative approach, it has seen low customer turnout since its launch, prompting the company to rethink its strategy.

“The transformation work is already underway, and we expect to complete the conversion in a short period,” Shimad stated.

In addition to converting the existing Smart Store, STO plans to open new pharmacies in Hulhumalé’s Phase 1 and Phase 2 areas. Shimad emphasized that these initiatives are driven by STO’s dedication to ensuring accessible and reliable essential medicines for the community, rather than focusing on profit.

Further strengthening its pharmaceutical services, STO has signed an agreement with an Indian pharmaceutical company to secure a steady supply of essential medications, reinforcing its commitment to public health.

This strategic move marks a new chapter for STO as it prioritizes healthcare access in the rapidly developing Hulhumalé region.