The Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development has announced that 250 Maldivians will be trained under a new national therapist development project set to begin next year. 

The initiative is being launched following President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to expand access to essential therapeutic services nationwide.

The programme will focus on training speech therapists, occupational therapists, behavioural therapists and psychotherapists. These services are regarded as vital for individuals with disabilities and developmental disorders, yet remain limited in many island communities due to shortages in specialised professionals.

The Ministry noted that work is ongoing to extend therapy support to atolls, with similar services introduced in various regions over the past two years.

Meanwhile, the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) reported that MVR 12.4 million was spent on therapy for people with disabilities last month. The agency stated that 342 children under 18 received therapeutic care, while 17 adults between the ages of 18 and 64 were also assisted. Behavioural therapy accounted for the highest expenditure, totalling MVR 3.5 million.