The nation’s health goals are unattainable without the full participation of its people, Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has said at the inauguration of a specialised medical camp in Hulhumalé Phase II.
“A healthy population is the greatest blessing a nation can possess,” Minister Nazim said, linking the country’s productivity and progress directly to the physical well-being of its citizens. A robust and healthy society, he argued, lays the foundation for economic vitality and collective happiness.
He challenged the prevailing notion that health initiatives are confined to hospitals and clinics, describing it as an “outdated idea”. Instead, he advocated for a broader understanding of public health, one that begins within families and communities and extends through every layer of society. The government, he said, cannot shoulder this responsibility alone.
Minister Nazim introduced the concept of “health beyond health” as central to modern health discourse. He pointed to activities such as sports tournaments and fitness classes as essential components of a healthy society. “All these aspects are interconnected with health. Without due consideration for these elements, we cannot effectively improve public health outcomes. A healthy populace cannot be sustained unless we implement the essential preventive measures to protect against illness before its onset,” he said.
Turning to policy, the minister highlighted the government’s efforts to curb tobacco use. He stressed that enforcement depends on a shared commitment, from vendors and consumers to individuals who smoke in restricted areas and the authorities tasked with oversight. Without this collective resolve, he warned, the nation’s health objectives will remain out of reach.
Medical camps like the one launched in Hulhumalé Phase II, he noted, serve as vital platforms for public education and the promotion of preventive care. In closing, Minister Nazim reaffirmed that the success of national health policies hinges on cooperation across all sectors. Such unity, he said, would lead to a healthier nation, a happier citizenry, and a more joyful community.