Major Improvements in Health Sector and Hajj Arrangements, Says President Muizzu
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the health sector is set to undergo significant improvements throughout this year and into the next, reaffirming that healthcare remains a top priority for his administration.
In the seventh episode of the Government’s Rayyithunaa Eku podcast, the President outlined recent developments and initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare services across the country. He noted that several major projects have already begun delivering benefits to the public, with additional enhancements expected.
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Focusing on the capital, the President highlighted that Malé City—home to the largest share of the population—has seen the launch of numerous healthcare projects. Among these is the relocation of the Maldivian Blood Services and the Thalassaemia and Other Haemoglobinopathies Centre to the Orange Hiya building. The previously delayed project was completed within a month by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and officially opened on 25 May. The new facility includes expanded wards for women and children, increased blood storage capacity, and improved staffing and technical equipment, developed in consultation with thalassaemia patients and their families.
On the same day, upgraded emergency services were inaugurated at Hulhumalé Hospital. The facility now features modern medical equipment and a resuscitation room designed to handle critical emergencies. Given the population projections for Hulhumalé—expected to reach 300,000—the President stated that continued investment in healthcare infrastructure remains essential.
Further expanding capacity, the President also inaugurated a new 75-bed Multi-Specialty Surgical Wing at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). This addition will support general, neurosurgical, plastic, orthopaedic, and urological procedures, enhancing specialised services at the country’s main referral hospital.
The President also noted the establishment of a unified hospital management system under the Malé Group of Hospitals. This integrated approach brings together Dharumavantha Hospital, IGMH, Hulhumalé Hospital, Vilimalé Hospital, and the Thalassaemia Centre, shifting from a competitive to a collaborative model. He stated that this change has already improved the efficiency of service delivery.
Emphasising the Government’s wider commitment to public health, President Muizzu pointed to several nationwide projects aimed at increasing access to care and improving health outcomes. He reiterated the administration’s focus on prevention, including the generational ban on tobacco and the ratification of the Tobacco Control Act as key legislative achievements. He added that tax revenue from tobacco sales would now support preventive healthcare efforts.
The President also noted that the Maldives’ anti-tobacco efforts have been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO), describing the acknowledgement as a source of national pride.
In the same podcast episode, President Muizzu described this year’s Hajj Pilgrimage arrangements as exemplary. He highlighted improvements under the Makkah Route Initiative, which allows pilgrims to travel directly to their hotels upon arrival. Accommodation in Mina has been upgraded to a high standard, and travel between Makkah and Medina will now be facilitated by high-speed trains with a journey time of approximately two hours.
These arrangements were made in coordination with the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The President expressed his appreciation to the Saudi King and Crown Prince on behalf of the Maldivian people, highlighting the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.
He also confirmed that he and the First Lady would undertake the Hajj pilgrimage this year, with their travel and accommodation arrangements funded by the Saudi Royal Court.
President Muizzu concluded by encouraging the public to celebrate the upcoming Eid holidays in accordance with Islamic principles.
