Health
To provide mental health support for youth, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts today officially introduced a dedicated free helpline, '1456'. The 50-year-old Maldivian man who was rescued after falling and getting trapped between the rocks of the seawall in the Male' Usfasgandu area was discharged against medical advice while receiving treatment at IGMH, the hospital revealed on 20 September 2026.
To support youth mental well-being, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, in collaboration with relevant agencies, has launched '1456' as a dedicated toll-free helpline. Through this helpline, arrangements have been made to easily provide the counseling and psychological first aid needed by young people in one place. Furthermore, it was announced that besides seeking guidance for personal and family issues, information and sessions required for healthy living will also be available under this service. Relevant authorities have stated that this service is open to youth on all non-official holidays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
The treatment being provided to a person in critical condition after being trapped between rocks was discontinued on 20 September 2026 at the family's request. It is reported that the decision to discontinue treatment while the individual, who sustained serious injuries and was in poor condition in the incident, was being treated at the hospital was made because the family desired so. It is believed that the family reached such a tragic decision because the patient's condition worsened further and the chances of survival became slim. The relevant authorities have not yet released further details regarding this incident.