The government has announced plans to provide psychiatry and speech therapy services in all atoll hospitals across the Maldives.
A circular issued by Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim highlighted a concerning rise in mental health issues nationwide, leading to an increase in mental illnesses, suicides, and disabilities.
Currently, these services are only available in Male’ region hospitals and level-3 or regional hospitals. However, the new policy, introduced on Saturday, aims to extend these services to atoll hospitals, addressing the challenges faced by island residents in accessing mental health care.
This initiative seeks to reduce waiting times and improve access to psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, therapists, and social workers by introducing these services in level-2 hospitals.
The government is preparing to launch these services in the following hospitals early next year:
- Haa Alif Atoll Hospital
- Shaviyani Atoll Hospital
- Noonu Atoll Hospital
- Baa Atoll Hospital
- Lhaviyani Atoll Hospital
- Faafu Atoll Hospital
- Dhaalu Atoll Hospital
- Thaa Atoll Hospital
- Gaafu Alif Atoll Hospital
- Fuvahmulah Hospital
This development marks a significant step towards enhancing mental health and speech therapy support throughout the Maldives.
