President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has shared the Government’s current approach to developing the Maldives’ health sector, with a mix of infrastructure projects, preventive health efforts, and measures to increase access to services across both the capital region and outer islands.
During the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast, the President said that addressing healthcare needs in the Greater Malé region remains a priority, noting that a significant portion of the country’s population lives in this area. At the same time, he stated that development efforts would also extend to other inhabited islands.
Among the current projects is a 75-bed expansion at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), which is scheduled to open by May 2025. This includes general ward beds, High Dependency Unit (HDU) capacity, and private rooms. Hulhumalé Hospital is also undergoing upgrades after being designated a tertiary hospital, and a new 100-bed facility in Vilimalé is planned with Chinese government assistance.
Beyond infrastructure, the Government has also indicated that preventive healthcare is a growing focus. Planned initiatives include expanding Dhamanaveshi services to all atolls and supporting healthier lifestyles through public access to exercise and recreational facilities. According to the President, outdoor gyms and children’s parks are to be established on every inhabited island by the end of next year.
Other initiatives include promoting access to healthier food, such as fruits and vegetables, and developing swimming facilities on islands where such options are limited. Measures related to smoking prevention were also mentioned, especially targeting younger demographics.
Some of the proposals respond to concerns raised by the public, including issues from senior citizens about the loss of natural beaches due to land reclamation. The Government has stated that ongoing and future projects will include designated areas for community use, such as beaches and parks. Restoration work for existing parks in Malé is also planned, including further development of Sultan Park.
The health sector plans, as outlined in the podcast, reflect both infrastructure expansion and attempts to address longer-term issues like chronic illness and physical inactivity.
