President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said the government will focus on fulfilling its pledges in the next two years.
Speaking at the official ceremony held to mark the 54th Republic Day of the Maldives, President Solih said the government aims to fulfill all its pledges in the next two years and will not use the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crisis as an excuse. As such, the president said the government formulated the state budget for 2022 with the aim of fulfilling the pledges made in the last three years.
He said the state budget also focuses on developing the social sector and expanding healthcare services, as well as hiring more doctors and nurses. President Solih also highlighted the challenges faced in providing mental health services due to the inadequate number of professionals. He revealed that regional mental health programmes will be conducted in the atolls next year and that mental health units will be established in tertiary hospitals.
Furthermore, President Solih said the government and social workers are working to tackle the issue of substance abuse. He also noted the importance of conducting community-based rehabilitation programmes.