President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government will begin providing USD 130 to support the purchase of prescription glasses from 1 June. The President made the announcement at a ceremony held at Barcelo Nasandhura to on the occasion of World Health Day.
The central health policy for the current administration is to ensure access to quality healthcare for every citizen without discrimination. The government has undertaken several initiatives to implement the policy.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Muizzu stated that his administration aims to swiftly improve the public health sector. He noted past and ongoing collaborative efforts with those working in the health sector, adding that prevention of illness remains a priority in implementing a comprehensive health policy.
The President further noted that the lack of priority given to preventive health care by past governments led to the rise lifestyle-related diseases in the Maldives. Therefore, the current administration is giving utmost priority to preventive healthcare, he noted.
The President said that under the government’s sustainable development policy, every citizen in every island must be provided with adequate health care, regardless of their location. Therefore, he is working to improve the quality of deteriorating health centres and laboratory systems in islands with small populations, he said. He added that regional hospitals and hospitals in islands designated as urban centres will also see upgrades to tertiary-level care services.
Since taking office on 17 November 2023, the current administration has launched more than 60 health-sector related projects across the country, including Male’ City. The President revealed that 18 of these projects are ongoing in Male’ City Group of Hospitals alone. Over the past 18 months, healthcare projects have totaled over USD 278.9 billion, he noted.
"In the Male’ City Group of Hospitals alone, 18 projects have been signed and are ongoing. About USD 278.9 million worth of projects have been underway in the health sector for the last 1.5 years. Many of these projects have now reached completion and new projects have been signed In accordance with the recommendation of health professionals”, the President said.
The President said he is also working to reduce the burden of traveling abroad to get healthcare services and to ensure that people can get the highest quality health care while staying in the country. He also said that he is working to develop human resources and increase employment opportunities in the health sector.
"More than 1,200 jobs have been created in the sector in about 18 months. In Male’ City alone, 740 positions have been approved and 646 employees have already been recruited. In other areas, about 460 jobs have been opened for application. I approved the recruitment of 218 new employees to address the shortage of nurses. We still require 70 more nurses,” he said.
The President urged trained nurses to join the workforce and urged the public to support the prioritisation of local employment in the healthcare sector.
The President explained that savings made within the health sector are being redirected to meet various needs of the people. As part of this initiative, the allocation under the Aasandha health insurance scheme for prescription glasses will be increased from USD 65 to USD 130 starting 1 June, he announced.
"We pledged in the presidential election that we will double the USD 65 allowances provided every two years for glasses. We have completed all the necessary calculations and sent a letter to the authorities to make this change. From 1 June, the USD 65 for glasses will be increased to USD 120. We are utilising what we saved to benefit the people,” the President said.
The President also noted the challenges in recruiting people in specialised fields in the health sector. He said the pay grade may have be temporarily increased to address this issue and attract talent.
Concluding his remarks, the President said the government will face any challenge without stepping back and do whatever is necessary to develop the country’s vital health sector.