Healthcare is not merely a public service but the most important service for establishing equality and equity in society, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has said.
The First Lady made the remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of the 3rd International Joint Conference for Healthcare Professionals 2026, held with the participation of healthcare professionals from the Maldives and nine other countries.
Speaking as the chief guest, Sajidha Mohamed said conferences of this nature bring together healthcare professionals from different fields, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
She said such discussions not only contribute to the advancement of the healthcare sector but also represent an important step towards improving the well-being of communities.
The First Lady noted that a society without good health cannot achieve sustainable growth and development.
She also acknowledged the dedication of healthcare professionals, saying every stage of a patient's treatment depends on the commitment, hard work and professionalism of those working across the healthcare system.
Referring to developments in the global health sector, First Lady Sajidha said the Maldives is making significant efforts to adopt modern innovations and improve healthcare services. She added that conferences such as this provide valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, share research findings and identify practical solutions to challenges facing the sector.
"Research findings, ideas and crucial discussions are taking place at this conference. For an island nation like the Maldives, healthcare is not a luxury. It is an essential service that must be accessible to everyone. Extensive work is being carried out to develop infrastructure, strengthen human resources and establish modern healthcare services," she said.
The First Lady also paid tribute to nurses, describing them as the healthcare professionals who remain closest to patients throughout their treatment. She commended their dedication and the support they provide to patients and their families during difficult times.
Concluding her address, First Lady called on all stakeholders to continue working together through dialogue and research to identify the changes needed to further strengthen the Maldives' healthcare system.