MCGH Opticals, a new facility under the Malé City Group of Hospitals, has been officially launched to provide affordable and accessible opticianry services to the Maldivian public.

The facility was inaugurated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at a special ceremony held at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) today. Following the inauguration, President Dr Muizzu handed over prescription glasses to the first three recipients of the service.

MCGH Opticals was established as part of the Government’s commitment to improving access to high-quality, low-cost opticianry services. The initiative follows President Muizzu’s 31 May 2025 announcement to tackle inflated pricing in the private optical market by introducing a state-run alternative. As part of this initiative, the Government also increased the Aasandha subsidy for prescription glasses from MVR 1,000 to MVR 2,000 for every two years.

Set up in just two months, the facility offers a range of services, including vision testing, identification of certain eye conditions, and dispensing of prescription glasses. The service aims to reduce public reliance on private providers and ensure broader access to essential eyecare.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Malé City Group of Hospitals, Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem, announced that a similar service will be launched in Hulhumalé in August, with plans to expand opticianry clinics to five regional hospitals across the Maldives in the near future.

The launch of MCGH Opticals reflects the Government’s healthcare reform agenda, focused on equity, affordability, and wider availability. It is a key step toward strengthening public healthcare infrastructure and addressing longstanding issues in the eyecare sector.