The Ministry of Health has initiated the development of Standard Treatment Guidelines to protect the rights of both healthcare providers and recipients, Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim announced.

Speaking on MMTV's Bodu Khabaru programme, the Minister explained that while these standards had not been properly implemented in the Maldives previously, work is now underway to develop new treatment guidelines. The initiative, directed by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, involves consultation with international experts and experienced local doctors to create guidelines tailored to Maldivian society.

The Minister outlined plans to raise awareness about these guidelines among healthcare professionals and patients once they are established. He indicated that this initiative would help reduce instances of negligence and minimise opportunities for substandard care.

According to the Minister, President Dr Muizzu's healthcare policy maintains that the health system remains incomplete until medical services reach the most vulnerable individual in the smallest island; however, he clarified that building large operation theatres in small island communities is not the solution. Instead, he emphasised the importance of strengthening preventive primary healthcare and improving connectivity between small health centres and larger hospitals.

Minister Nazim identified telemedicine integration as crucial for strengthening the Maldivian healthcare system and revealed that a master plan for expanding telemedicine services is currently under development, with implementation expected to begin within the next two months.

The modernisation of the healthcare system through technology is one of President Dr Muizzu's key campaign promises, aiming to transform it into an efficient system offering appropriate services through modern resources and technological solutions.