Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has inaugurated the Health Expo 2024. The exposition aims to increase public awareness on works carried out by the health sector to build a healthier community, and about adopting a healthy lifestyle. The two-day event is organised by the Ministry of Health.
During the inauguration ceremony, Vice President launched a book under the name, "Hafuthaa 52", which provides information on the works carried out by the health sector during the first year since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed office. The vice president also visited the stalls at the Health Expo 2024, which boasted participation of several sector institutions. The 50 stalls see representation from hospitals from the greater Malé region, clinics and relevant civil society representatives.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Health Dr. Abdulla Nazim unveiled the government's goal of making this exposition an annual event. The minister stated that the primary objective of this initiative is to promote good health and well-being among the citizens and increase public awareness on the topic. Noting that the expo will highlight the progress made by the health sector over the past years, he underscored the crucial importance of every single progress made in the sector for the betterment of the country.
Furthermore, Minister Dr. Nazim stated that the policies of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu are formulated such that it ensures that the country is moving towards sustainable development. In his address, the minister shed light on some transformative changes related to the healthcare sector, introduced by the current administration. This includes the creation of the Food Safety Act and expanding the health insurance schemes such that medical checkups can be done regardless of not being ill.
Highlighting that the health policies of the current administration includes expanding the services provided by health facilities in urban centres, Minister Dr. Nazim reiterated the government's goal of reducing the number of patients arriving at Male' City to obtain medical treatment. He expressed confidence in bringing about promising changes to the sector within the five years of the current administration's tenure.
In his speech, Minister Dr. Nazim stressed the significance of enhancing the national insurance scheme, Aasandha, in order to provide efficient services to the residents. The minister emphasised on the ongoing efforts to reform the Aasandha system, under the directives issued by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. He assured that these changes were not to be concern and will not be a burden to any residents.
The Health Expo 2024 was organised, targetting mainly foreigners. However, the ministry has made arrangements such that children can also participate in the exposition. As such, the expo will provide information on children's health checkups, nutrition and growth, vaccination and other such important information.