The Minister of Health, Family and Welfare, Geela Ali, stated that the aim is to ensure good quality, essential healthcare for citizens.
She stated this at a special ceremony was held in Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll to launch the Primary Health Care Programme in Kaafu and Vaavu atolls respectively.
Minister Geela Ali highlighted important, contributing factors that impact health. This includes, personal and family habits, surrounding conditions, and an efficient healthcare system with readily available health information.
“One thing experience has taught us, is that our living conditions and surrounding environment affects both individual and community health. Also, public health successes both in the past and present show us that we have to work closely with residents to ensure success. The aim of the healthcare sector is always to provide good quality, accessible healthcare for the people.” The Minister stated.
She informed that the most optimal system for this is the primary healthcare system. Minister Geela noted that various flus and communicable diseases, as well as childhood illnesses have been minimised as a result of the hard work done together with residents.
She added that, in terms of community health, the most pressing issue today is the rise in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) to an unprecedented level, as well as the impact of such illnesses. Minister Geela informed that 84 percent of annual deaths in the Maldives are a result of NCDs, with lifestyle being one of the major contributing factors for this.
According to the 2022 World Health Organisation (WHO) STEPS survey on risk factors for NCDs, one in three youth and one in two middle-aged and elderly people yield three risk factors for NCDs. Some people are unaware of their susceptibility to such diseases.
The Minister stated that the greatest priority in terms of healthcare is controlling NCDs to bring about happiness, productivity and progress nationwide. Ordinary civilians, healthcare and other industries, as well as all those dependent on the primary healthcare system must work in tandem in order to achieve success, Minister Geela stated.