Health

The opportunity to apply for the government's financial assistance for Thalassemia children has been officially opened on January 1, 2026. This allowance is a special grant decided to be given by the state to assist those suffering from Thalassemia with the medicine and treatment they need. Arrangements for applying for this have been made through a portal or by submitting forms to the relevant authorities, in accordance with the prescribed procedures. This decision by the government is an important step taken to alleviate the financial difficulties faced by families of Thalassemia children.

Today (1 January 2026), Ahmed Nimaal faced a sudden health issue and was transferred to IGMH for further treatment due to a stroke. Reports indicate his condition is serious, and a team of doctors from IGMH is providing him with the necessary critical care. His family and close associates are expressing concern regarding this incident. However, the hospital has not yet released further details regarding his health condition at this time.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has officially apologized in the case of baby Yunus Hussain Abdullah, who died while receiving treatment at the hospital. In this statement released on January 1, 2026, the hospital acknowledged negligence in the child's death and expressed its participation in the family's irreparable grief. Following this incident, criticisms have been directed at the hospital's treatment system, and this has been noted as a serious issue in the matters of treatment. IGMH further stated that steps are being taken to prevent such a tragic incident from recurring.

To further strengthen the healthcare system of Dhivehi Raajje and expand services, new laboratories were opened on January 1, 2026, bringing significant progress to healthcare services. Establishing laboratory services with modern facilities in the health centers of the islands under this project is an important step taken to provide easy and quick treatment to the people. In addition, many reform changes with the help of technology have been implemented from this date onwards to improve the quality of healthcare services. These services, which started in conjunction with the New Year, will greatly ease the healthcare system in the atolls.

The national health insurance system of the Maldives, Aasandha, has decided to expand therapy and mental illness treatment services, and these changes will come into effect from 1 January 2026. Under this amendment, various mental wellness counseling services, and different types of therapies needed for children and adults will be available through Aasandha free of charge. This decision is an important step taken by the government to solve the financial difficulties faced by the people in seeking mental wellness care in the Maldives and to facilitate easy access to such services. With this change taking effect with the New Year, private clinics and hospitals covered by Aasandha will now also cover these services.

On January 1, 2026, major debates arose and public criticism was targeted regarding the provision of Aasandha services to Maldivians living abroad. Many have expressed concerns about the challenges faced by Maldivians living in foreign countries in accessing healthcare under this system, and the procedures involved in providing the service. In particular, questions are being raised about whether the budget and procedures set for providing this service are the fairest way, and this matter has been widely debated today on social media and in various gatherings.

On January 1st, 2026, a report containing the statistics on breast cancer that occurred from 2022 to 2025 was officially published. This report details the number of people who contracted the disease during the past four years, the extent to which the disease was detected early, and the changes that occurred in treatment outcomes. These statistics are important information compiled to plan future efforts against breast cancer and to increase health awareness. The purpose of releasing this report on the first day of the new year is to strengthen cancer prevention efforts with a renewed determination.