President unveils plans to transform healthcare

President Mohamed Muizzu has detailed his vision and plans for the healthcare sector in the Maldives, aiming to provide high-quality and affordable healthcare so that Maldivians no longer need to travel abroad for medical treatment.

He made these remarks in the second edition of the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast, an initiative launched to engage with the public, strengthen connections, and promote governance through active public consultation.

In the latest episode, the President emphasised that ensuring adequate healthcare services in the Greater Malé region is a top priority, given that over half the country’s population resides there. However, he assured that this focus does not imply neglect of other regions, reaffirming the government’s commitment to developing health centres and hospitals across all inhabited islands.

The President also provided updates on ongoing efforts to enhance services at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), the largest Government-run hospital. A 75-bed expansion project is underway to address space constraints, including 44 additional general ward beds, 15 High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds and 14 private rooms. The new facilities are scheduled to be operational by May 2025.

Additionally, the President noted that efforts are progressing to upgrade services at Hulhumalé Hospital, which was recently designated a tertiary facility. He also highlighted plans for a new 100-bed tertiary hospital in Vilimalé, to be built with assistance from the Chinese government.

Further initiatives during his tenure include the establishment of specialised hospitals for women and children, cancer treatment, and thalassaemia care.

The President also stressed the importance of strengthening public health measures and implementing an environmental healthcare policy to improve overall health and reduce the need for frequent medical visits. Acknowledging the challenges Maldivians face in seeking treatment abroad, he reaffirmed his commitment to expanding healthcare access within the country.