Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim has stated that the Government’s 24-hour mental health helpline is being widely used, with many Maldivians seeking urgent care through the service.

Speaking at the sixth session of the Ahaa forum series on Monday night, Minister Nazim said mental health remains a critical area within the healthcare sector. He described the helpline as one of the Government’s most significant initiatives, aimed at providing immediate support to those in need.

He said the helpline offers pre-referral advice, assistance in reaching health facilities, and help arranging appointments in serious cases. Statistics show that a large number of people are using the service.

Minister Nazim said efforts are ongoing to strengthen the system by training helpline counsellors further. He added that the Government is also working on a long-term strategy to expand mental health services nationwide.

Long queues for care remain the biggest challenge, he said, citing rising demand and a shortage of trained professionals. He also noted that mental health consultations take longer than other treatments, limiting how many patients doctors can see during a shift.

Minister Nazim said systemic changes are needed to prioritise urgent cases and ensure timely access to care, including options to bypass regular queues. He also confirmed that the Government remains committed to establishing a specialised mental health facility.