The Ministry of Health has confirmed the recruitment of 40 specialist doctors and 70 nurses from overseas to serve in hospitals and health centres across the country.

Details of the recruitment were outlined in a statement published in the Gazette earlier today. According to the ministry, the 40 specialist doctors will be appointed across eight medical disciplines, with five doctors required in each area.

Key medical fields highlighted include paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, general surgery, ophthalmology, internal medicine, orthopaedics, radiology, and anesthesiologists. Each of these specialities has been identified as critically needed in the local healthcare system.

The employment package for these foreign doctors includes a basic monthly salary of MVR 30,990. Additional allowances have been allocated: MVR 425 per working day, MVR 7,000 for accommodation, and MVR 24,000 for meals, bringing the total monthly income to approximately MVR 51,000, not accounting for overtime.

To qualify for these positions, candidates must have at least one year of professional experience in their respective specialities, as stipulated by the ministry.

As for nursing roles, 70 foreign nurses will be hired with eligibility criteria including a recognised degree and a minimum of two years’ experience in either midwifery or psychiatric care. Furthermore, applicants must have prior work experience in a healthcare facility with at least 150 beds.

Nurses selected under this recruitment initiative will receive a basic salary of MVR 9,060. In addition, they will be entitled to MVR 120 per working day, along with a combined accommodation and food allowance totalling MVR 4,800 per month.

The Health Ministry noted that the decision to seek foreign professionals was made in response to the insufficient number of Maldivian applicants for the roles. A significant number of eligible candidates were informed of the application process, which will conclude coming Thursday.