Psychiatry, Speech Therapy Services to Be Established in Every Atoll Hospital, Announces Minister

The administration has launched a substantial effort to provide psychiatry and speech therapy services in every atoll hospital throughout the country, Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has announced. This effort is part of the administration's commitment to fulfilling President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's electoral pledge to enhance mental healthcare services nationwide.

In an interview with PSM News, Minister Ibrahim cited the pressing need for mental health services, noting that a substantial portion of the population grapples with mental health issues. Currently, these specialised services are available only in the capital, Malé, and a few regional hospitals. Many individuals are consequently compelled to travel to Malé to access psychiatry and speech therapy services, he noted.

Minister Ibrahim reiterated that providing these services in all atoll hospitals was a key electoral promise of President Dr Muizzu. The administration has already commenced efforts to establish psychiatry and speech therapy services in every atoll hospital, he assured.

To achieve this goal, the administration is actively recruiting psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors. "There is a substantial demand for these [services] amongst the public. We are actively engaged in recruiting professionals [psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors] from within the country," Minister Ibrahim explained.

The administration's commitment to mental health is further underscored by President Dr Muizzu's plan to invest significantly in improving and expanding psychiatry and speech therapy services across the country, according to the minister. The aim is to ensure these services are easily and readily accessible in all parts of the country, Minister Ibrahim added.

As part of the 'Hafuthaa 14' roadmap, the administration has also established a mental health helpline, 1677, which is available 24/7. According to the health ministry, a significant number of people are already utilising this service.