President says health reforms will reduce need to seek treatment abroad

President Mohamed Muizzu has said the completion of health sector projects planned in next year’s budget will raise the standard of national health services, reducing the need for people to travel abroad for treatment except in a limited number of cases.

The government has described the upcoming budget as a significant budget for the health sector. A total of MVR 830 million has been allocated for health, including MVR 500 million for projects and MVR 330 million for operational activities.

Speaking at an event at the Social Centre on Monday to mark the government’s two-year anniversary, the President said that once next year’s budget is implemented, the gaps in medical services and treatment in the Maldives will be resolved.

During his presentation on the government’s progress, he said the health sector had been neglected under previous administrations. He said concerns related to health services were among the most common issues raised by communities during his visits to the islands.

He said a major portion of next year’s budget includes the introduction of new specialised services in hospitals in the Malé area, which he said would reduce the need for overseas medical travel.

The President listed several initiatives planned under the 2026 budget:

He said the completion of these projects in the coming year would strengthen the country’s health sector.