hajam.ai
16 September 2026
Health

Health

A Reuters investigation reported on September 16, 2026, revealed that more than 20 skin whitening creams containing the toxic substance mercury, which is banned from sale on the global market, are being sold on online platforms such as TikTok Shop, Temu, and Amazon. Furthermore, the government has announced that it has initiated numerous hospital projects across different parts of the Maldives.

Banned whitening creams being sold on TikTok and Temu

According to an investigative report revealed by Reuters on 16 September 2026, more than 20 types of skin-whitening creams that are banned due to containing the hazardous substance mercury have been uncovered being sold on e-commerce platforms such as TikTok Shop and Temu. The report noted that despite international treaties banning the manufacture and sale of mercury-containing products, sellers circulate these items online by disguising the origin and nature of the products and changing their names. While there is a high demand for such dangerous products because people want to whiten their skin quickly, health experts have warned that this substance can cause severe damage to the kidneys and brain.

Claims that this government has launched numerous hospital projects

It was announced on 16 September 2026 that this government has commenced a large number of hospital projects across the Maldives. It was stated that practical work on many projects is currently underway in order to develop the health sector and provide citizens with easy access to quality healthcare services. It was highlighted that these projects will further strengthen the healthcare system in the islands and reduce reliance on Malé. It was also revealed that the government's aim is to complete the hospital works swiftly and commence services to pave the way for citizens to receive comprehensive medical treatment close to them.

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Also in this edition

Politics

At the PNC congress, elections were held for vice presidents, senior positions, and the senate, with members elected to these posts. Speaking at the congress, PNC Chairperson and Speaker of the People's Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla said that stability and development can only be brought to the nation if a leader remains in power for at least ten years, and that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu must be secured a second term in the 2028 presidential election. Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom criticized the practice of placing a hand over the chest while singing the national anthem. Calls for a criminal investigation against the President of the Elections Commission and allegations of First Lady Sajidha Mohamed's political influence have surfaced. Discussions to amend the law to prevent pardons for drug traffickers and details of police operations conducted to halt scams were disclosed on this day. While police have begun investigating a case involving a crocodile and a gold handgun found in an apartment in Malé, a court sentenced a youth to 17 years in prison in a drug-related case. President Dr. Muizzu highlighted the importance of state leaders being accountable to the public and noted that youth are distancing themselves from the political arena. Rumors regarding the resignation of Health Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, as well as questions directed at the government in connection with the residence Dhimyaath, were also addressed on this day.

 Economy

European tour operators such as ABTA have warned that they will stop selling Maldives packages following the decision to levy a 17% TGST on foreign booking agencies starting October 1 and the requirement compelling resorts to exchange 40% of their foreign currency income into Maldivian Rufiyaa. While the government has decided to pay off in full and clear the USD 50 million T-bill taken through the State Bank of India (SBI) from the Sovereign Development Fund without rolling it over, the World Bank has given assurance that it will continue providing assistance for economic reform efforts. Customs has fined two foreign oil tankers, "KG 1" and "AL 1", MVR 310,000 each, after they illegally entered Maldivian territory, collided with a pillar of the Sinamalé Bridge, and sank. Additionally, the national airline, Maldivian, has decided to conduct walk-in interviews to recruit cabin crew.

 Education

As 49 percent of O-Level students in the Maldives choose the business stream, education expert Dr. Hassan Hameed has expressed concern that overcrowding in this field could lead to graduates facing unemployment and result in a shortage of skilled Maldivians in other essential sectors. First Lady and Chief Guide Sajidha Mohamed graced the closing ceremony of the 25th National Patrol Leaders' Training Camp, conducted by the Maldives Girl Guides Association in Vilimalé, on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 16, 2026.