Health.

Dharumavantha Hospital's Neurosurgery Department announced on September 29, 2026, that it had successfully performed the first navigation-guided brain surgery in the Maldives using the Medtronic StealthStation S8 navigation system. In connection with World Heart Day, it was reported on September 29, 2026, that out of 37,038 people screened under the non-communicable disease screening program conducted by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), 21.2 percent had high cholesterol.

The manager of the GA. Vilingili Atoll Hospital, Ali Shameem, stated on 28 September 2026 that the digital X-ray machine sent to the hospital by the government in mid-2024 remains unused in storage because the upgrading of the electrical network and the necessary structural modifications to the building have not yet been completed.

Health Minister Jeela Ali announced on September 27, 2026, that efforts are underway to import all medicines on the National Essential Medicines List into the Maldives and make them available to the public before the end of November 2026, through the newly formed State Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Corporation (State Pharma) established to import high-quality medicines into the country. To strengthen the pharmaceutical supply chain and provide medicines to atoll pharmacies on a sustainable basis, the operation of 193 pharmacies and 706 employees previously managed by STO was transferred to State Pharma on July 1 of this year.

The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has issued a safety alert regarding a thyroid medication. Details of efforts underway to find a solution to the issue of illegible doctors' prescriptions were also disclosed. In addition, IGMH has announced that a health camp including specialized surgeries and tests for women is scheduled to be held from October 4 to 6 at the Dr. Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital in G.Dh. Thinadhoo.

On Thursday, September 24, 2026, Minister Ali Ihusaan, NDA Chairperson Ahmed Siddiq, Huraa Constituency MP Dr. Anara Naeem, and Encoe Holdings Managing Director Shaheen Adam officially laid the foundation stone for the USD 5 million project contracted to Encoe Holdings Private Limited to establish a new 500-capacity drug rehabilitation center in K. Himmafushi. The center, which the government aims to complete within 18 months, will further expand assistance for individuals requiring drug rehabilitation to reintegrate into society and significantly strengthen health and social services.

The Ministry of Finance opened bidding on 23 September 2026 for interested parties to construct a 50-bed mental health hospital in Hulhumalé. Meanwhile, 39-year-old Aishath Aathifa passed away while receiving treatment at the Fulidhoo Health Centre after experiencing breathing difficulties and falling ill during a water exercise program conducted jointly by the school and police in V. Fulidhoo. Additionally, 30-year-old Mohamed Shaffan of Lilimagé, R. Dhuvaafaru, who fell ill while diving in the Shaviyani Atoll maritime area, was pronounced dead upon arrival at Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital.

Three people were reported to have died from cancer in the Maldives over the past six days on 22 September 2026, including 36-year-old Ali Shahumy (Alikko), a member of the racing community who passed away while undergoing treatment for bone cancer in India. Furthermore, the other two deceased are Abdulla Jameel, 55, from Th. Thimarafushi, and Aishath Fakhriyya, 29, from B. Dharavandhoo, who passed away after battling stage four cervical cancer. Statistics from the official registry show that more than 1,600 people are registered with cancer, and while at least 1,106 new cases were recorded between 2020 and 2025, no official research has yet been conducted to identify the causes behind the increase in this disease.

Targeted at improving infant care and health, the "NeoCare 2026" symposium, organized jointly by Hulhumalé Hospital, the Ministry of Health, WHO, and STO Healthcare with 50 participants from 19 health centres, commenced at Meeruma from 21 to 23 September 2026, and was officially inaugurated by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed. Meanwhile, a 16-year-old Maldivian girl who was injured after falling from the third floor of Amaan Udhares Tower 2 in Hulhumalé Phase 2 was transferred to IGMH after receiving treatment at Hulhumalé Hospital, and police have urged the public not to circulate videos of the incident.

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.

In accordance with the Cabinet's decision to transfer the Home for People with Special Needs in K. Guraidhoo under the Ministry of Health's National Mental Health Department, Minister Jeela Ali disclosed details on 19 September 2026 regarding how the center's operations are proceeding. In addition, concerns regarding youth mental health and social media addiction were also highlighted today.

Dharumavantha Hospital has revealed that out of 35 successful cases of IVF performed through its National Fertility Centre, 27 babies have been born so far. Amidst an extreme shortage of essential medicines across the Maldives leading to an increase in public complaints, Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim stated that by November 2026, arrangements will be made to import and provide all essential medicines through "State Pharma", a company established by separating pharmacies from STO to resolve the issue. Regarding the issue of medication shortages in pharmacies, the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has instructed pharmacies to stock at least 80 percent of the medicines included in the Revised Essential Medicines List within the upcoming six months.

Highlighting the importance of raising parental awareness regarding childhood cancer and early detection, the First Lady requested full cooperation for healthcare professionals. In line with the World Health Organization's childhood cancer targets, and to enhance treatment and awareness for the disease in the Maldives, the Cancer Society of Maldives and Male' City Group of Hospitals are scheduled to hold the "Caring Beyond the Cure: Mental Health in Childhood Cancer" workshop at Dharumavantha Hospital.

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.

Noting the risk of bone aches and bleeding due to low blood platelets linked to the influenza spreading these days, pediatrician Dr. Ahmed Faisal gave important health guidance on September 15, 2026, advising people to rest and drink plenty of fluids.

It was revealed on 12 September 2026 that significant difficulties have arisen in obtaining commonly used infant milk powder, such as NAN and Lactogen, from markets and pharmacies across Malé and the atolls. Although it is believed that this shortage was mainly caused by the regulations governing the import of breast-milk substitutes and logistical challenges faced in domestic air transport when ferrying goods to the islands, relevant official authorities have not yet disclosed a specific, direct reason. Relevant parties are currently working to resolve the issue and arrange for the availability of milk powder in the market again.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced the decision to reform the Aasandha scheme and change the full free coverage previously provided to those earning more than MVR 60,000 per month to a co-pay or pre-pay system starting next October. The President also noted that the estimated approximately MVR 287 million saved annually from the state budget due to this change will be utilized equitably for the healthcare needs and essential services of lower-income individuals.

Efforts are underway to find A-positive blood needed for a patient undergoing treatment at IGMH. Those who can assist with this have been requested to donate blood.

At the 79th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for South-East Asia held in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Jeela Ali received special awards on behalf of the Maldives from WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on 9 September 2026, honoring the Maldives as the only country to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target to reduce mortality from non-communicable diseases ahead of 2030, and for sustaining its maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination status for 10 years.

Due to rising temperatures caused by El Niño, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) on September 8, 2026, urged the public to reduce strenuous outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day, drink plenty of water, and pay special attention to children and the elderly. In connection with World Physical Therapy Day, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Maldives National University (MNU) and the Maldives Physiotherapy Association on September 8, 2026, to provide international-standard education and training in the field of physiotherapy and to expand and decentralize the service to the atolls.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced on 7 September 2026 that it has been decided to reform the Aasandha system such that completely free Aasandha service will be discontinued for those earning an income of more than 60,000 Rufiyaa per month, requiring them to pay a co-payment or an annual fee starting this coming October. The President stated that policies regarding this change, which aims to save approximately 287 million Rufiyaa annually from the state budget, will be disclosed by the Ministry of Finance and relevant authorities.

Due to an increase in diarrhea and vomiting cases in the Maldives, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) issued a public health advisory on September 6, 2026, urging the public to be mindful of hygiene measures and to use fluids and Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) packets. State Pharma's Managing Director, Dr. Shah Mahir, announced on September 6, 2026, that an ERP and digital e-logistics system has been established to track and manage medicine stocks in pharmacies across the Maldives in real time, and that a public portal displaying this information will be launched within the next two months.

Speaking on the fourth episode of the "Rayyithunge Adu" (Voice of the People) program, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu revealed that the government has decided to recruit approximately 2,000 healthcare workers across the Maldives in various phases to address the staff shortages faced by the country's health sector and expand services.

In the "Rayyithunge Adu" podcast delivered on September 3, 2026, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that he has authorized the phased recruitment of approximately 2,000 healthcare professionals needed nationwide to resolve the staff shortage faced by the Maldivian health sector.

A recent study has shown that paper straws, used as an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic straws, contain high amounts of toxic substances such as "forever chemicals" or PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances), which can pose major health risks such as cancer, thyroid issues, and fertility problems.

Significant changes have been introduced to the health sector, including opening applications for Thalassemia allowances and expanding Aasandha coverage for therapy and mental health services. Meanwhile, IGMH has apologized over the death of an infant under its care, and Ahmed Nimal, who suffered a serious stroke, has been transferred to the hospital for further treatment. Additionally, amid debates regarding Aasandha coverage for Maldivians residing abroad, breast cancer statistics for recent years were released, and new laboratory services have been inaugurated.

The Ministry has introduced new digital software for health centers and arranged for eyeglasses to be available through Aasandha at private clinics and optical shops. Minister Dr. Nazim highlighted advancements in healthcare infrastructure and human resources, while statistics reveal approximately 500 stroke-related deaths at IGMH over the past four years.

Key health and social developments today include the opening of a pediatric clinic at Maafannu Urban Health Centre, the commencement of the new Huraa Health Centre building, and STO addressing medicine shortages. Notable legal updates include a 15-year sentence for a convicted rapist named Izam, progress in the Sunny Umar case, and an increase in reported child abuse cases. Additionally, police reported a decline in gang crimes, while several arrests were made regarding child abuse on TikTok Live, drug offenses, and foreign currency violations.

thought Services at the K. Huraa Health Centre have been expanded with the introduction of laboratory services, while the construction of Alif Alif Rasdhoo Hospital is progressing rapidly. Additionally, the Ministry of Health has commenced research into 'poetry therapy' as part of broader national efforts to advance the healthcare sector and ensure a stable supply of medicine.

A specialized pediatric clinic has opened in Male', and construction of the HA. Atoll Hospital is progressing rapidly. Additionally, an eye camp and health activities were held in Maafushi, a study on using poetry for mental health treatment was conducted, and a training program for Maldivian therapists has commenced.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has launched a national project to train 250 Maldivians in the field of therapy. The project aims to increase the number of local professionals in the healthcare sector and strengthen the therapeutic care system.

As of December 26, 2025, significant shortages of weight-loss medications and medical supplies have been reported. This scarcity is severely impacting the healthcare sector and creating major challenges for patients seeking necessary treatments.

Key events in the Maldives on December 25, 2025, included the sentencing in the murder case of a 13-year-old and the postponement of the K-Park hearing due to the absence of "Manday." A fire on a speedboat in Maafushi was successfully extinguished. Security forces arrested several suspects with a large quantity of drugs during a special operation in Hulhumalé, seized 40kg of drugs smuggled in chocolate syrup bottles, and detained three individuals for attacking a police officer. Additionally, the Anti-Scam Center recovered 37% of funds lost to scams. Other developments included a mosquito control program in Bodufolhudhoo and site visits for the design phase of Vilingili Hospital.