President Unveils Healthcare Improvements, Aims to End Need for Treatment Abroad
Photo: President’s Office
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has outlined his vision for the Maldives’ healthcare sector, aiming to provide high-quality and affordable services so Maldivians no longer need to seek treatment abroad.
He made these remarks in the second episode of the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast, meaning With The Citizens, an initiative launched to engage with the public, strengthen connections, and promote governance through active public consultation.
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Muizzu prioritised expanding healthcare services in the Greater Malé region, where more than half of the country’s population resides. However, he assured that this focus would not come at the expense of other regions, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to developing health centres and hospitals across all inhabited islands.
He also provided updates on ongoing improvements at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), the Maldives’ largest Government-run hospital. A 75-bed expansion project is underway to ease space constraints, adding 44 general ward beds, 15 High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds, and 14 private rooms. These new facilities are set to be operational by May 2025.
The President also noted ongoing efforts to enhance services at Hulhumalé Hospital, which was recently upgraded to a tertiary facility. Additionally, he announced plans to build a new 100-bed tertiary hospital in Vilimalé with assistance from the Chinese government.
Investing in Preventative Healthcare
Muizzu stressed the need to prioritise preventative healthcare to improve the sector as a whole. He highlighted efforts to discourage younger generations from taking up smoking and outlined plans to promote healthier lifestyles by ensuring access to nutritious food, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
He also underscored the benefits of swimming for overall well-being, revealing that projects are underway to establish swimming facilities on islands lacking such amenities. Furthermore, he announced plans to set up an outdoor gym on every inhabited island by next year.
To encourage outdoor activities and strengthen family bonds, the Government is also developing children’s parks to support physical and mental well-being. Muizzu shared plans to refurbish Sultan Park, enhancing it with adventurous features to make it a more engaging space for the public.
