The Government is increasing the health budget year on year as part of its commitment to strengthening healthcare services, with spending on the sector viewed as an investment in building a healthier and more productive population, Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali has said.

Responding to a question from Member of Parliament for North Galolhu constituency, Minister Geela said ensuring access to quality healthcare remains one of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's Administration's highest priorities. She said expenditure on healthcare should be regarded as an investment rather than a cost, as it directly contributes to the wellbeing and productivity of the population.

The Minister said health continues to receive one of the largest allocations in the State budget, increasing from MVR 1.7 billion in 2024 to MVR 1.9 billion in 2026. She said the additional funding is intended to further improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services across the country.

Highlighting the impact of expanding healthcare services in the Maldives, Minister Geela said the number of patients referred abroad for treatment under the Aasandha scheme has declined over the past three years. Compared with 2023, the total number of overseas referrals fell by 338 in 2025. She noted, however, that the overall reduction is partly offset by the growing number of cancer patients requiring treatment abroad, with 487 more cancer patients referred overseas in 2025 than in 2023.

Excluding cancer-related referrals, the number of patients sent abroad for treatment in 2025 was 821 lower than in 2023, the Minister said, describing the figures as evidence of the Government's efforts to expand specialist healthcare services within the Maldives.

She added that overseas treatment under the Aasandha scheme continues to be reserved primarily for specialist procedures, major surgeries and advanced treatment for conditions such as cancer and neurological diseases that are not yet available in the Maldives. Such services remain essential to protecting lives and ensuring Maldivians have access to the medical care they need.