President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced the Government’s decision to establish a dedicated mental health hospital in the Greater Malé Area, underscoring the growing urgency of addressing mental health issues in the Maldives. The announcement was made during a press briefing held at the President’s Office today.
Emphasising the nuanced and increasingly prevalent nature of mental health challenges in society, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive and accessible treatment services. He noted that while a mental health hospital project is currently underway in L. Gan with external financial assistance, progress has been slow. Consequently, the Government has decided to proceed with a new mental health hospital, funded by the Administration, in the Greater Malé Area under a revised policy initiative, with work to be expedited.
The President further stated that steps will be taken to strengthen the capacity of existing healthcare facilities to ensure the continued provision of mental health services until the new hospital is completed.
Additionally, President Dr Muizzu revealed that work is underway to introduce an Anti-Bullying Act and to formulate a Mental Health Bill, both of which will be submitted to the People’s Majlis. He said this would enable bullying to be defined as a criminal offence, establish clear interpretations of what constitutes bullying, and set out mechanisms for prevention as well as provisions for legal action against perpetrators.
He added that efforts are also ongoing to implement targeted policies to prevent bullying in schools, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and workplaces.