Gov’t Discuss Nationwide Mental Health Awareness Programmes

The Maldives Police Service and the Ministry of Health held discussions yesterday regarding the implementation of nationwide mental health awareness programmes targeting people of all age groups.

According to the police, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed and Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim discussed strategies to address existing challenges within the mental health sector and strengthen ongoing initiatives related to mental health services.

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The meeting, held at the Health Ministry, focused on the importance of cooperation between state institutions in delivering mental health support services and improving the quality of care available to the public.

Police stated that Commissioner Ahmed Mohamed also highlighted challenges faced by officers when responding to incidents involving individuals experiencing mental distress.

Discussions further focused on ensuring that people requiring mental health support are able to access comprehensive and high-quality services promptly, regardless of their location in the Maldives.

The discussions come amid increased utilisation of mental health services under the national healthcare system. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated that 10,954 individuals had accessed mental health treatment through the Aasandha national health insurance scheme as of 24 April, following the inclusion of mental health services under the scheme earlier this year.

According to the President, 8,125 of those individuals were from Malé, indicating a significant concentration of service usage in the capital.

To support individuals experiencing psychological distress, the government has established a 24-hour national helpline accessible through 1677. The Health Ministry has continued to encourage those in need of assistance to make use of the service.