By Psychiatry and speech therapy services will soon be accessible at all provincial hospitals in the Maldives, according to Health Minister Abdullah Nazim Ibrahim. This development is part of the government’s efforts to improve mental health care across the country.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister Nazim noted that many people in the Maldives face mental health challenges. However, treatment and assistance, including speech therapy services, are currently available only in Malé and some regional hospitals. To address this gap, the government is working to expand these services to provincial hospitals.
Minister Nazim also highlighted that President Mohamed Muizzu had pledged to make psychiatry and speech therapy services widely available during his presidential campaign. The Ministry of Health is actively searching for psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and therapists, both locally and internationally, to provide these services.
“There is a significant demand for mental health support, and we are looking for professionals from abroad to help meet this need,” the minister said.
In addition to expanding hospital services, the government has introduced a 24/7 mental health helpline, reachable at 1677. The helpline, launched under the Week 14 Road Map initiative, has already been utilized by many individuals seeking mental health assistance, according to the Health Ministry.
The expansion of psychiatry and speech therapy services aims to ensure that all Maldivians have access to the mental health care they need, regardless of their location.