The government in 2024, took major strides towards improving and enhancing health care services in the island nation. Several initiatives had been launched as the Administration looks to plug the long-standing gaps in the healthcare system.
The highlight of the year was the long overdue step to reform the universal health insurance scheme, Aasandha, to improve services and ensure sustainability. The scheme has now been streamlined to offer maximum benefit to the needy in a bid to cut down on years of wastage.
In addition, Dharumavantha Hospital along with the Hulhumale Hospital has been upgraded to a tertiary level hospital with additional services.
To compliment the upgrade, the Administration has now earmarked five more hospitals including a specialised Thalassemia Hospital and Cancer Hospital for this year. The cancer hospital will be developed on the land adjacent to the Dharumavantha Hospital in Male’ where the concept and design of the first phase of the 25-storey building have already been completed.
To ensure food safety, a Food Safety Act was enacted for the first time in the country’s history which has further empowered the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) to ensure more monitoring and oversight.
Other important initiatives taken by the government include the launch of the National Mental Health Helpline 1677, which provides 24-hour services to ensure mental health.
In addition, laboratory services have commenced in 76 more islands previously lacking the basic services. The introduction of IVF treatment under Aasandha for the first time also remains a key highlight of last year.
But the most significant step taken by the government towards a healthier society remains the clampdown on tobacco products. The Administration has increased taxes on tobacco while a nationwide ban on vape products and electronic cigarettes was imposed last year. The government has also raised the minimum age of selling tobacco products to 21 years.
In 2024, the Aasandha reform initiative included the bulk procurement of high quality prescription medicine. The launch of "air ambulance" service to airlift critical patients in the Atoll is among a host of initiatives launched by this Administration last year to improve and enhance the healthcare system in the country.