Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has stated that quality healthcare services can be provided with tangible results by maintaining the current health sector spending.
The health sector spending remains one of the largest in the state budget.
Speaking on an episode of Tharujamaanaa Eku, Minister Nazim spoke on efforts to expand health services in the Male’ area, including the establishment of General Practitioner (GP) clinics. He noted that one of the main complaints of the public is the difficulties in getting appointments for specialist doctors. The Minister noted that the global practice is to first consult a general practitioner before being referred to a specialist. While the Maldives does not have such a system in place, the first point of contact for any patient is with a specialist, even in cases where they do not need to see one. The aim of the general practitioner clinics being established is to resolve this issue, he said.
According to the Minister, six GP clinics are planned for the Male’ area; with one already in operation. Plans are also in place to merge Dhamanaveshi and the old Thalassemia Centre to develop a GP centre with the necessary resources. Efforts are also underway to establish a similar clinic in Hulhumale’.
The Minister said about two-thirds of patients visiting IGMH’s emergency department do not actually require emergency care. He said GP clinics will help divert such cases, allowing the main hospital’s emergency services to focus on critically ill patients. The Minister said the GP-based system will save time, reduce costs, and improve overall quality of care.