The Ministry of Health has announced that the national mental health helpline, created to provide psychosocial support, has received more than 13,000 calls since its launch two years ago. Officially inaugurated on 21 February 2024 and accessible by dialling 1677, the service was established to deliver psychological first aid to individuals confronting mental health challenges.
Deputy Minister of Health Aminath Ismail, speaking on the 'Raajje Miadhu' programme broadcast by PSM News, said the helpline was introduced at a time of acute national need. She noted that the volume of calls demonstrates its importance. Distressed individuals are connected to immediate assistance, where trained professionals de-escalate crises through therapeutic conversation. Many of these cases involve people struggling with severe anger or fears of self-harm.
“In such instances, individuals will call the helpline expressing that they are experiencing severe anger,” she explained. “On the receiving end, there are dedicated professionals, including counsellors and highly qualified experts. In such circumstances, they assist in managing the situation at that precise moment. In many cases, the immediate crisis is effectively resolved. The same individuals often return as repeat callers.”
The helpline’s reach spans a wide demographic, including very young individuals. Deputy Minister Aminath highlighted that the 13,000 recorded calls represent a 300 percent increase in demand for assistance. Aishath Shuhuza, Social Service Coordinator at the National Mental Health Department, stressed that the service is not limited to Maldivian citizens. Psychosocial support is extended equitably to expatriates and foreign nationals working in the country.
Shuhuza confirmed that efforts are underway to further enhance the quality of care. “Accordingly, we are in the process of establishing a system designed to provide an immediate response to individuals facing mental health emergencies,” she said. “A multi-sectoral mental health referral pathway has been formulated, and we are currently dedicating our efforts toward its full implementation within this year.”
The Health Ministry has reiterated that the helpline operates continuously, 24 hours a day. Beyond offering psychological first aid, the service facilitates problem-solving, disseminates essential information, and connects callers to affiliated services through a structured referral framework. Its overarching aim is to ensure that individuals of all ages experiencing psychological distress have uninterrupted access to support.