First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has stressed that while technology is transforming healthcare, it should enhance and not replace the compassion and human connection at the heart of medical care.

She made the remarks while delivering the inaugural address at the Third International Joint Conference for Healthcare Professionals 2026 (IJCHP 2026), held at CROSSROADS Maldives under the theme, "Evidence, Empowerment and Education: Leading the Future of Healthcare for Sustainable Impact."

Addressing healthcare professionals, researchers, educators and international delegates, the First Lady highlighted the increasing role of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, genomics, robotics and predictive analytics in reshaping the healthcare sector. She noted that while these innovations have the potential to improve healthcare delivery, they cannot replace kindness, empathy and the human touch that patients need.

She said healthcare is ultimately about people, adding that behind every medical breakthrough is a patient whose life has been changed. She also emphasised that healthy populations are essential for education, economic growth and national development.

The First Lady highlighted the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as the Maldives, including climate change, emerging diseases, demographic changes and geographical dispersion. She reaffirmed the Government's commitment to strengthening the healthcare sector through investments in healthcare professionals, modern infrastructure, digital transformation, specialised services and international partnerships.

Paying tribute to nurses, First Lady described them as a constant source of care throughout a patient's journey and thanked nurses in the Maldives and around the world for their dedication and compassion. She also recognised the contribution of women in healthcare leadership, noting that stronger female leadership helps build more inclusive and responsive health systems.

Concluding her address, the First Lady expressed hope that the conference would strengthen collaboration, encourage innovation and inspire new ideas to advance healthcare. She then officially declared IJCHP 2026 open.