Statistics released by the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare on the occasion of Nurses Day have shown that 64 per cent of nurses currently working in the Maldives are Maldivian nationals, reflecting continued growth in the local healthcare workforce.

According to the ministry, a total of 3,907 nurses are currently employed across healthcare facilities nationwide. Of that figure, 3,593 are women, accounting for 92 per cent of the nursing workforce, while 314 are men.

The statistics further show that 1,989 nurses are employed in the Greater Malé Region, while 1,918 nurses are working across the atolls, resulting in a near-equal distribution between the capital region and outer islands. Authorities stated that 51 per cent of nurses are based in the Greater Malé area, while 49 per cent serve in the atolls.

Among the total nursing workforce, 2,503 are Maldivians, while 1,404 are expatriates. The ministry noted that the number of Maldivian nurses has continued to increase over the years following the expansion of nursing education and training opportunities in the country. Nursing programmes are currently offered through institutions including Maldives National University and Villa College.

The statistics also show that 3,291 nurses, representing 84 per cent of the workforce, are employed in State-run health facilities, while 616 nurses work in the private healthcare sector.