As the Maldives joins the global community in celebrating International Nurses Day, the nation takes stock of the invaluable contribution that nurses make to the country's health system.
With a total of 3,907 nurses serving across the country, these dedicated healthcare professionals form the backbone of medical care in the island nation, working tirelessly in hospitals, clinics, and health centres to deliver essential services to patients in every corner of the archipelago.
The nursing workforce in the Maldives presents a diverse and evolving picture. According to the Ministry of Health, the profession continues to be predominantly female, with 3,593 women and 314 men serving as nurses across the country's numerous islands.
In terms of nationality, 64 percent of these healthcare workers are Maldivian citizens, while 36 percent are foreign nationals. The geographic distribution of nurses reflects a fairly balanced approach to healthcare delivery, with 1,918 nurses—representing 49 percent of the total workforce—serving in the Atolls, while 1,989 nurses, or 51 percent, are deployed in the Greater Male’ area.
Recognising the critical importance of strengthening this vital profession, the government introduced the 2018 Nursing Framework as part of a comprehensive effort to expand and modernise nursing services throughout the country.
This landmark policy initiative has brought significant improvements to the professional landscape, including the revision of career pathways and salary structures to make the profession more attractive and sustainable for current and prospective nurses. Under this framework, new training opportunities have opened in specialised fields such as cardiac care and neurocare, enabling nurses to advance their skills and expertise in high-demand areas. The licensing system has been further strengthened to maintain and elevate professional standards, while concerted efforts are being made to increase nurse participation in health policy formulation and senior administrative positions.
This year's International Nurses Day carries the theme "Our Nurses, Our Future—Empowered Nurses Save Lives," a slogan that resonates deeply with the reality of healthcare in the Maldives and resonates equally across the globe.
Beyond its celebration of individual dedication, this theme symbolises the recognized importance of investing in nursing as a pathway to stronger health systems and healthier populations. The government has affirmed its vision of making the nursing profession a respected career field with clear opportunities for advancement and professional growth, understanding that every investment in nursing development represents a meaningful contribution to the overall well-being of the nation.