Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has said that the productivity and development of a country is directly linked to the health of its people.

Speaking at the inauguration of Hulhumalé Community Alliance Medical Camp 2025, Minister Nazim noted that a healthy population is the greatest blessing a nation can have, as it leads to both higher productivity and greater happiness.

The Minister stressed that such a goal cannot be achieved by Government efforts alone. He explained that the belief that health begins and ends with medical facilities is outdated, adding that the foundation of a healthy population lies in the actions of families, communities, and wider society. In his view, every segment of society must contribute if national health objectives are to be realised.

In addition, the Minister said that “health beyond health” has become the guiding principle in tackling modern health challenges. He pointed out that the way sports tournaments are organised, the planning of exercise classes, and other aspects of daily life all contribute to community wellbeing. Preventing illness, he argued, requires proactive measures that go far beyond hospital walls.

This approach, he said, is also critical in tackling issues such as tobacco use. The Minister explained that the Government’s policies to eradicate smoking can only succeed with the cooperation of society at large, since enforcement against vendors or individuals is ineffective without community backing.

Highlighting the way forward, the Minister said that building a healthier society requires the cooperation of all stakeholders in carrying out national health policies. He emphasised the role of medical camps in raising awareness, taking preventive measures before diseases occur, and fostering collective responsibility. With such cooperation, he said, the Maldives can look forward to a country of happier citizens and a happier society.