In a major step toward strengthening mental health and disability care across the Maldives, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced launched a comprehensive national project to train 250 local therapists.
The ambitious initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, aims to address the critical shortage of specialised therapeutic services in rural and underserved regions.
Scheduled to commence in January, the programme will equip Maldivians with professional skills in speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural therapy, and psychotherapy—fields vital for supporting children and adults with developmental and psychological challenges.
Currently, access to these essential services remains limited outside the capital, placing a heavy burden on families who often seek costly treatment away from home.
With the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) reporting a staggering USD 804,150 spent on therapy last month alone—including treatment for 342 children under 18 and 17 adults—the government emphasised the urgency of building local capacity. Behavioural therapy remains the most utilised service, accounting for USD 226,977 in expenditures.