Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim states that the allocation of over USD 19 million from the supplementary budget for health insurance shows the priority given by the government of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom to develop and expand the health sector. The Health Minister made the remarks while speaking at the closing of the 25-by-25 Discussion Forum.
The forum was held on the issue of reducing deaths caused by non-communicable diseases to below 20 percent. The 25-by-25 Discussion Forum brought together multi-sectoral stakeholders to discuss ways on reducing deaths caused by non-communicable diseases to under 20%. The closing of the forum was held at Hotel Jen, in Male’ city.
While speaking at the closing of the forum, Minister Nazim notes dedication of the current administrations to improve the health services provided to residents. Priority given by the government of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom to develop the health sector is evident through the decision to allocate $19 million from the supplementary budget for health insurance coverage of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), according to the Minister.
The 25-by-25 Discussion Forum is a platform which aims to bring multi-sectoral stakeholders under one roof to discuss policies and implementation of policies to ensure reduction of deaths caused by non-communicable diseases to below 20 percent by 2025. Health Minister Nazim said that with the revolutionary changes being brought to the health sector by the government, it is important to change the dynamics to ensure the prevention of diseases.
The number of deaths due to non-communicable diseases are increasing, while more diseases are also occurring due to tobacco consumption and other such habits, Country Representative of World Health Organization (WHO) to the Maldives, Dr. Arvind Mathur stated while speaking at the ceremony. More preventive measures needs to be taken to tackle these issues, according to Dr. Mathur.
Multi-sectoral stakeholders from government ministries and non-governmental organisations attended the 25-by-25 Discussion Forum.