President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the upcoming 2026 State budget will centre on holistic national development, with a strong focus on healthcare reform, including preventive health and tobacco control.
Speaking during his visit to Naifaru as part of his Lhaviyani Atoll tour, the President emphasised that the Government is working to strengthen decentralised healthcare delivery, to reduce Maldivians' dependence on overseas treatment. He stated that several services are already being expanded nationwide, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare.
President Muizzu reiterated that public health is a national investment, highlighting smoking as one of the most serious concerns. He pointed to the generation-wide smoking ban, which will come into force on 1 November 2025, as a major step forward in preventive health policy. The law targets those born after a specific cut-off year, but the President urged all Maldivians to consider quitting smoking voluntarily.
He also defended the decision to ban vaping, citing rising usage among school-aged children. The President stressed that safeguarding youth health is a Government priority and part of a broader strategy to foster a healthier and more productive society.