Health Minister: Lack of dedicated mental health hospital due to failures of previous administrations
The Health Minister stated that the absence of a dedicated psychiatric hospital in the Maldives is due to a lack of prioritization by previous administrations. Speaking in Parliament, the Minister highlighted the growing demand for mental health services, noting that over 70,000 people sought treatment in the past three years, with the vast majority of these patients accessing services within the Greater Male' area.
The Member of Parliament for the North Galolhu constituency, Mohamed Ibrahim, posed a question to the Minister of Health Geela Ali, during a parliamentary session. | People's Majlis
Health Minister Geela Ali has stated that the absence of a dedicated mental health hospital in the Maldives is due to the negligence of previous administrations.
Responding to questions from members in Parliament on Tuesday, the Minister stated that the absence of a dedicated mental health hospital over the past years was due to the lack of priority given to the issue by previous administrations.
More than two and a half years into President Muizzu’s administration, Health Minister Geela—the third to hold the post under this government—has attempted to shift the blame for the inadequate provision of mental health services onto previous administrations.
In her remarks, the Minister highlighted that the Maldives currently lacks adequate treatment facilities and services for mental health issues.
The Minister stated that 70,000 people have sought consultations for mental health issues over the past three years, with 45,000 of those consultations occurring within the Greater Male' area.
Furthermore, the Minister stated that 60 individuals at the Guraidhoo Center have successfully completed their treatment and have been reintegrated into society. The Minister also noted that the mental health helpline received and provided assistance to over 10,000 calls last year. Highlighting the government's achievements in this area, the Minister emphasized that individuals facing mental health challenges now have the opportunity to speak with someone at the very first stage of their struggle. The Minister further added that mental health services are currently being provided across various regions of the Maldives.
