Health Minister Warns of Challenges if Foreign Population’s Medical Needs Are Neglected
Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim cautions that unmet medical needs of foreigners may strain health sector | Photo: Health Ministry
The Minister of Health, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, has issued a stark warning that the nation’s health sector could face severe challenges if the medical needs of the foreign population are not addressed promptly.
Minister Nazim made the remarks during the inauguration of the two-day Public Health Conference, organised by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the Maldives National University (MNU).
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Minister of Health, @ANazim2019, inaugurates the #PHC25, in partnership with @MNUedu, @IOMSLandMV, @WHOMaldives, @SDF_SAARC. The conference aims at strengthening health systems, elevating migrant health, and advancing UHC for all in the Maldives. #PHC25 #MigrantHealth… pic.twitter.com/yjPW7u3LEF— Health Protection Agency (@HPA_MV) December 8, 2025
He highlighted a significant demographic shift, noting that one in four residents in the Maldives is a foreign national, making their health closely linked to the overall well-being of the nation. The Minister also stressed the heightened risk of imported diseases, as many foreign residents come from countries where illnesses absent or eradicated in the Maldives remain prevalent.
Minister Nazim called for a whole-of-government approach to address these public health challenges. He urged all institutions to participate in facilitating comprehensive healthcare access for the foreign community, emphasising that coordinated action is essential to the success of these efforts.
The conference will focus on tackling these issues directly, with particular attention on the implementation challenges of the National Policy on the Health of Foreigners, launched in June. Attendees, including associations and government institutions involved in foreign affairs, will discuss obstacles faced by foreigners in accessing healthcare. The event aims to move beyond problem identification towards strategic, research-based solutions to build a more resilient and inclusive health system.
This is the second edition of the conference, following the inaugural event in 2019.
