Transforming Healthcare: President Muizzu’s Vision for a Healthier Maldives

President Mohamed Muizzu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening preventive healthcare measures in the Maldives, emphasizing the importance of investing in initiatives that promote public health and reduce the need for frequent medical treatment.

Speaking on the second edition of the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast, President Muizzu underscored the need to place preventive healthcare at the forefront of national health policies. He highlighted the government's focus on discouraging smoking among younger generations, promoting healthier lifestyles, and ensuring greater access to nutritious food, including fresh fruits and vegetables. As part of these efforts, he announced initiatives to encourage physical activity, such as establishing swimming facilities on islands where such amenities are currently unavailable.

The President also unveiled plans to install outdoor gyms on every inhabited island by next year, aiming to provide greater opportunities for exercise and fitness. Additionally, he stressed the importance of children's parks in fostering physical and mental well-being, revealing plans to develop such recreational spaces nationwide. In line with these efforts, Sultan Park will undergo refurbishment to introduce adventurous features that cater to families and children.

President Muizzu reaffirmed that these sports and exercise initiatives align with the broader goal of enhancing preventive healthcare. As part of the government's holistic approach, he announced plans to expand Dhamanaveshi healthcare services to every atoll, ensuring that essential medical care is available at the community level. By improving access to healthcare services across the country, the administration aims to minimize the need for frequent doctor visits while promoting overall wellness.

Addressing concerns about Maldivians traveling abroad for medical treatment, the President emphasized the urgent need to develop local healthcare infrastructure to provide high-quality, affordable services within the country. He detailed ongoing efforts to strengthen the healthcare system, focusing on expanding and upgrading key medical facilities.

In the Greater Malé region, where more than half of the population resides, the government is prioritizing the enhancement of healthcare services. At Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), the country’s largest state-run hospital, a 75-bed expansion project is currently underway. The additional capacity will include 44 general ward beds, 15 High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds, and 14 private rooms, with the new facilities expected to be operational by May 2025.

Furthermore, the President highlighted the progress in upgrading Hulhumalé Hospital, which was recently designated a tertiary facility. Plans are also in place for a new 100-bed tertiary hospital in Vilimalé, to be constructed with assistance from the Chinese government. These developments are part of a broader vision to ensure Maldivians have access to specialized care without having to seek treatment abroad.

President Muizzu also announced the establishment of dedicated hospitals for women and children, as well as specialized facilities for cancer treatment and thalassemia care. These efforts are aligned with the government’s long-term goal of improving specialized healthcare services and reducing dependency on foreign medical institutions.

In addition to infrastructural development, the administration is prioritizing the implementation of an environmental healthcare policy aimed at improving overall public health. The President underscored the importance of preventive healthcare strategies, including strengthening public health measures, promoting awareness campaigns, and fostering healthier lifestyles among citizens.

Through these comprehensive initiatives, the government aims to build a robust healthcare system that ensures quality medical services are accessible to all Maldivians. By focusing on both preventive healthcare and the expansion of medical facilities, President Muizzu’s administration seeks to transform the nation’s healthcare landscape, ultimately enhancing the well-being of the Maldivian people.