President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government will give top priority to the development of the health sector in next year’s national budget.
He made the statement while addressing residents of Naifaru during his ongoing visit to Lhaviyani Atoll.
Speaking on the upcoming state budget, the President said the government is finalising the budget for next year, and that the Cabinet has already approved its overall composition. He stressed that the highest priority would be allocated to investment in the health sector, adding that it is necessary to achieve economic and social development of the country.
"It is important to build a society that is free from, or not exposed to diseases. The top priority in next year's budget is health. This will include preventive healthcare and curative healthcare," he said.
Noting that the government has already taken significant steps towards building a disease-free society, the President described the Generational Ban on Tobacco as one of the most important programmes in preventive healthcare, and as an important step towards creating a healthier and safer society. Although the ban does not apply to older generations, the government has introduced measures to discourage tobacco, he said. He also described the ban on vaping as another crucial component of preventive healthcare.
The President stated that the country's health sector is being developed in a comprehensive manner and that the main purpose of the government's investment is to reduce the need for Maldivians to travel abroad for healthcare.
"The government is investing in both the prevention and treatment of diseases. Next year, we must ensure that the hospitals in the atolls can deliver the highest quality healthcare services, reducing the need for people to travel overseas for medical care at high costs and inconvenience,” he said.
The President added that while infrastructure projects across the atolls are tangible and visible development projects, the government's investment in healthcare will bring about benefits that directly improve the lives of citizens.
Earlier in the day, the President held consultations with the Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and local institution leaders to discuss development priorities in Naifaru. During the meeting, Council members highlighted the challenges arising from the island’s land scarcity and requested that the neighbouring island of Madivaru be incorporated into Naifaru’s administrative jurisdiction and connected through a physical link.
At the meeting, representatives from Lhaviyani Atoll Hospital acknowledged the significant improvements in healthcare delivery following the introduction of new services. However, they highlighted the ongoing shortage of medical personnel, particularly specialist doctors, and requested measures to address the issue. They also proposed upgrading the hospital’s service level.
The community also proposed that the land currently designated for the State House be utilised to develop a multi-purpose facility incorporating the State House, an auditorium, meeting rooms, and an event hall.
The need for an additional primary school to serve the island’s growing population was also raised during the meeting.
The President assured that the requests raised would receive due consideration. Accompanied by a delegation of Cabinet Ministers and Heads of State-Owned Enterprises, he also provided the latest updates on ongoing development projects on Naifaru.
As part of the President’s visit to Naifaru, an agreement was signed for the development of a Maldives National University (MNU) campus in Naifaru. The work was contracted to Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation Limited. Agreements were also signed for the construction of 300 housing units, the construction of a new harbour, a harbour upgrade project, the establishment of a sports complex as well as the establishment of Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO)’s services on the island. The practical implementation of the island’s road development project was also launched to coincide with the President’s visit.
Later, during the community meeting, the President reiterated his commitment to fulfilling all pledges made for the development of Naifaru, including the construction of the island’s harbour, new housing units as well as its road construction project.
Speaking on the government’s development plans for Naifaru, the President reiterated that it is his responsibility to deliver on the promises made to the people of Naifaru, and affirmed that he has been working with the same drive. The projects signed in various sectors will be completed as promised, he affirmed, including the establishment of an ice plant in collaboration with Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO), as well as the reclamation of 45 hectares of land. While the road development project has been signed, all roads of the island will be developed to modern standards by the conclusion of the project, he assured. He further stressed that the land reclamation project must be given the highest priority, and said the project will progress swiftly without interruption.
Highlighting the harbour project, the President said the project would be completed in alignment with the aspirations of the people. The harbour would become one of the largest harbours to be constructed in an inhabited island, he said.
Shedding light on the sports sector, the President said the government will implement several projects in the field. He noted that the administrative component of the establishment of an Islamic Centre in Naifaru is also progressing swiftly as planned, and the practical implementation of the project will commence as soon as the administrative component concludes.
On education, the President acknowledged the urgent need to expand Naifaru School, and assured that the construction of a building adding ten classrooms and laboratories will soon be contracted.
The President also revealed that a speech therapist will be appointed to Naifaru Hospital and the scope of the island’s hospital upgrade project will be expanded to develop the hospital into a 50-bed modern facility. The hospital will have the capacity to conduct CT scans and other services within four months, he said.
The President further said he would establish 400 housing units in Naifaru as he promised in the presidential election, and announced plans to construct an additional 400 housing units in 2027.
As part of his visit, the President also visited a therapy centre dedicated to supporting children with special needs in Naifaru. During the visit, the President took time to learn about the operations of Bliss Care Clinic and interacted with children receiving various forms of therapy, including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Behavioural Therapy, and Special Education Needs (SEN) services. He expressed appreciation to the management and staff for their meaningful work, offering words of encouragement and recognising the importance of this privately run initiative.
The clinic, operated under the Bliss Care Foundation, opened in July 2024 and currently serves over 100 registered children with a team of 16 therapists. Its essential services draw families from across the region.
The management noted that all children receiving care are registered with the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) and receive the allowance for children with special needs. They also expressed sincere appreciation for the Government's continued support for these services.