First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has stated that good health is the foundation upon which education flourishes, communities prosper, and economies thrive. She made the remarks while delivering the inaugural address at the Third International Joint Conference for Healthcare Professionals 2026 (IJCHP 2026) this morning.
The conference is being held from 7 to 9 July 2026 at CROSSROADS Maldives under the theme, "Evidence, Empowerment and Education: Leading the Future of Healthcare for Sustainable Impact."
Addressing delegates, healthcare professionals, researchers, educators and international guests at the opening ceremony, the First Lady welcomed participants from around the world, noting that their presence reflected a shared commitment to advancing healthcare through knowledge, collaboration and innovation.
The First Lady observed that healthcare is, at its heart, about people, and that behind every scientific breakthrough is a patient whose life has been changed. She emphasised that nations cannot fully realise their potential without healthy people. She further noted that, while the strength of a country is often measured by the size of its economy or the sophistication of its technology, the true measure of a nation lies in how well it cares for its people.
Reflecting on the transformative era in healthcare, the First Lady highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, genomics, robotics and predictive analytics in reshaping the sector. She stressed, however, that technology can enhance healthcare but cannot replace compassion, noting that no algorithm can replace kindness and no machine can comfort an anxious parent. She underscored that technology must always serve people, not the other way around.
The First Lady also highlighted the importance of resilient healthcare systems for Small Island Developing States such as the Maldives. She identified climate change, emerging diseases, demographic transitions and geographic dispersion as challenges that require innovative and evidence-based approaches. Reaffirming the Government's commitment to strengthening healthcare, she noted continued investment in people, modern infrastructure, digital transformation, specialised services and international partnerships.
Paying tribute to nurses, the First Lady described them as the constant presence throughout a patient's journey, often the first to recognise subtle changes and the last to leave. She expressed her deepest appreciation to nurses serving in the Maldives and around the world for their dedication and compassion. She also recognised the women participating in the conference, noting that when women lead, health systems become stronger, more inclusive and more responsive to community needs, and that supporting women in healthcare leadership is integral to improving healthcare itself.
Concluding her address, the First Lady expressed hope that the conference would renew participants' sense of purpose, strengthen partnerships and inspire bold ideas. She then officially declared IJCHP 2026 open.
During the ceremony, Co-Chair and Associate Professor Fathimath Shifaza presented a commemorative memento to the First Lady on behalf of the organisers.