The Male City Group of Hospitals (MCGH) has distributed more than 2,000 free pairs of prescription glasses in less than 45 days, following the launch of new Government-run optical outlets in Malé and Hulhumalé.

The initiative, introduced under a presidential directive to counter high private market costs, has so far provided optical services to 3,200 people since the first outlet opened at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) on 27 July. A second outlet at Hulhumalé Hospital opened a month later, on 27 August.

MCGH CEO Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem noted that while demand for the new outlets was anticipated, the level of uptake has far exceeded expectations, highlighting the public’s pressing need for affordable prescription glasses. More than 900 pairs of glasses are currently awaiting collection, while 1,200 more are in production at the IGMH outlet.

The introduction of in-house optical services in State hospitals is aimed at easing the financial burden on the public. Previously, Aasandha covered MVR 1,000 for spectacles, but this allowance was doubled to MVR 2,000 in June 2025, following a pledge made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on World Health Day.

Some delays in production have been linked to the need to import specialised lenses, though an additional lens-making machine has now been installed at IGMH. The upgrade is expected to double daily output from 35–40 lenses.

The successful introduction of the optical services in the capital forms part of a wider Government plan to expand affordable vision care nationwide. Outlets are being prepared for Addu Equatorial Hospital in Addu City and the Regional Hospital in Kulhudhuffushi, ensuring access to optical services across the Maldives.