Ministry Announces National Register for Disabled and Elderly Persons

The Ministry of Social and Family Development has announced plans to compile a National Register of Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly in the Maldives. This initiative aims to ensure that no one in need is excluded from the state security network.

The necessity for a state system to collect and regularly monitor information on disabled and elderly individuals across all households and islands in the Maldives has been highlighted. Although financial assistance and specialised services for the elderly and disabled are currently provided, there is no unified register to collate this information. Different agencies have handled data related to these groups to varying degrees, leading to fragmentation.

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Presently, the registration of people with disabilities relies on volunteers, and no systematic study has been conducted to identify all individuals with disabilities or elderly persons in the Maldives. Furthermore, there is no mechanism in place to regularly monitor their status post-registration.

The absence of a comprehensive register is likely to result in the exclusion of individuals needing special attention from the state. The lack of a unified monitoring system has led to instances where necessary assistance is not provided, potentially causing neglect.

In response to these challenges, the Cabinet has decided to conduct a national survey to compile a complete register of persons with disabilities and the elderly. This register will facilitate the identification and provision of necessary assistance to those involved in the state security network.

Upon completion of the register, a system will be established to provide comprehensive information on disabled and elderly individuals in every island. This initiative aims to ensure immediate support and to uphold the dignity and social well-being of these individuals through informed policy-making.

Additionally, the new system will closely monitor the benefits provided by the state and the overall situation of the registered individuals. This is expected to significantly reduce the risks of neglect, violence, and social exclusion faced by people with disabilities and the elderly.