The Maldives Medical Conference 2025 has concluded with significant discussions on the treatment and care of the elderly, as the proportion of older citizens in the population continues to rise.
The theme of this year's conference is "Geriatrics: Let's Talk Aged Care", reflecting the growing importance of elderly care for the Maldives and other countries facing similar demographic changes. The two-day event was organised by the Maldives Medical Association and was attended by doctors from across the country as well as other healthcare professionals.
Speaking to PSM News regarding the conference, Maldives Medical Association’s Executive Secretary, Dr Mariyam Ajfan said the conference provided an important platform to explore ways to improve the quality of care for elderly patients. There were extensive and successful discussions on how to find solutions to the issues faced, she noted.
"There were discussions on how elderly care is approached abroad, and how to raise awareness of these practices in the Maldives. Currently, there are no doctors in the Maldives specialising in geriatric care, and discussions included ways to encourage medical students to pursue this specialty," she said.
By 2030, seven percent of the Maldives’ population is expected to be over 75 years of age, rising to 10 percent by 2040. The Medical Association has stressed the need for the country to prepare in advance for such changes, as one in every 10 people is expected to be over 65 within the next 20 years.
This is the second such conference initiated by the Maldives Medical Association.