President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that over MVR 4.3 billion worth of health sector projects have been launched during the past 18 months, alongside the creation of more than 1,200 new jobs in healthcare nationwide.

Speaking at the World Health Day ceremony on Thursday night, the President said expanding healthcare services and workforce capacity remain top priorities for his Administration. He emphasised that citizens across all islands should have access to high-quality health services, regardless of where they live.

A total of 60 health-related projects have been initiated during this period, including 18 hospital development projects under the Malé City Group of Hospitals. The Government is also working to upgrade under-resourced health centres and laboratories as part of its broader effort to strengthen healthcare infrastructure.

The President underscored the importance of improving service quality in both Malé and atoll hospitals and said he would personally monitor efforts to raise standards. His Administration aims to reduce the need for Maldivians to seek medical treatment abroad by ensuring world-class care is available locally.

In terms of workforce development, the President revealed that 740 of the 1,200 newly created jobs were under the Malé City Group of Hospitals. Of these, 640 positions have been filled, while recruitment is ongoing for the remaining roles.

He noted that the sector is still facing a shortage of nurses, particularly in the Malé region. The Malé City Group of Hospitals is looking to recruit 218 nurses, though 70 positions remain vacant. The President acknowledged the role of the Maldives National University in training nurses but expressed concern that not all graduates are entering the profession.

He urged qualified nurses to join the public health system and reiterated his Administration’s commitment to increasing the number of Maldivians in the nursing workforce. He had earlier declared this a priority on International Nurses Day.