The improved pay framework for the healthcare sector of Maldives, will encourage more people to pursue higher education in the sector, says Vice President Faisal Naseem.

The vice president said this during a meeting with the Maldivian community residing in Bangladesh.

VP Naseem is currently undertaking a visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, to attend the sixth Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) 2023.

At the meeting held at the High Commission of the Maldives in Bangladesh, VP Naseem stated that the incumbent administration’s decision to increase healthcare sector wages is expected to encourage more students to pursue higher studies in the sector.

Highlighting that the incumbent administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has been undertaking ambitious plans to enhance healthcare services across the country, VP Naseem shed light on the importance of increasing the number of trained professionals in the workforce.

He also stated that the Solih administration prioritizes training teachers and doctors who offer invaluable services and added that many Maldivian medical students and others in specialized fields choose to attain higher education at Bangladeshi institutions.

VP Naseem went on to note that the close bilateral relations between the two countries have resulted in easing visa facilitation for Maldivian students.

The Vice President also spoke about the Maldivian communities living abroad and stated that the Solih administration is committed to provide them with the necessary services without discrimination.

He also noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to closely monitor the situation of Maldivian students and families living abroad.

The sixth IOC is scheduled to be held from May 12 – 13 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. VP Naseem is scheduled to deliver remarks at the inaugural session of the two-day conference.

Themed around "Peace, Prosperity, and Partnership for a Resilient Future", the IOC 2023 aims to bring together key stakeholders to chart the roadmap to strengthen regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.

As part of his brief visit to Bangladesh, VP Naseem is scheduled to hold meetings with high-level dignitaries as well.