Minister of Social and Family Development Dr Aishath Shiham has assured that the Government's policies are designed to bring essential services closer to the people by decentralising them across the atolls.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Aasandha and National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) office in Hithadhoo, Addu City, the minister said President Dr Muizzu's directive on decentralisation is actively shaping policies aimed at distributing services to islands throughout the country.

Dr Shiham said the opening of the new office marks a significant milestone for the people of Addu Atoll, who will now be able to attend to many administrative matters on their own island without having to travel to Malé. She added that the office will provide a permanent solution to the longstanding difficulties residents have faced in applying for social security assistance and accessing Aasandha and NSPA services.

The minister reaffirmed the Government's commitment to listening to the needs of the people and responding accordingly.