The National Mental Health Department has invited applications from qualified consultants to undertake the review and revision of the Central and Regional Mental Health Services Development Plan for the period 2026 to 2030.

The existing Central and Regional Mental Health Services Development Plan 2022–2025 was introduced to support the decentralisation of mental health services in the Maldives, with a focus on establishing structured service delivery through regional health facilities.

Since the plan was endorsed, significant progress has been made in expanding and decentralising mental health services nationwide. Psychiatrists have been stationed at all five designated regional hospitals, improving access to specialist care outside the capital.

In addition, the National Centre for Mental Health has expanded its capacity, with a larger multidisciplinary team and an increased range of services, including outpatient care and a dedicated mental health ward.

With the current plan concluding in 2025, the Department said there is a need to review and revise the strategy to ensure its continued relevance, address implementation challenges, and respond to emerging priorities. Service gaps have also been identified in areas not comprehensively covered under the existing plan, including child and adolescent mental health, mental health services during emergencies, and community-based rehabilitation.

The revised plan is expected to provide clearer implementation pathways, strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and align mental health services with national policies and global mental health directions.

Applicants for the consultancy are required to hold a master’s degree in a related field and have at least five years of relevant professional experience. The deadline for applications is 8 February 2026.