Mental Health Services Received 10,000 Calls Last Year; 70,000 Treated in Three Years
Health Minister Geela Ali has revealed that more than 70,000 people have sought medical consultations for mental health issues in the Maldives since 2023, highlighting a significant rise in the prevalence of such conditions. The Minister further noted that the "1484" mental health helpline, established in February 2024, received over 10,000 calls for assistance within its first year alone. To strengthen the country's mental healthcare infrastructure, the government has commenced work on developing a modern, specialized mental health hospital across a 10,000-square-foot plot in Hulhumalé.
The number of people seeking mental health treatment in the Maldives has risen, with 70,000 individuals receiving care over the past three years. | RaajjeMV
Statistics shared in Parliament by Health Minister Geela Ali reveal a sharp increase in the number of people seeking treatment for mental health issues in the Maldives, indicating that the nation's mental well-being has reached a concerning state.
Responding to inquiries from members during a sitting of the People’s Majlis, the Minister of Health stated that various stages of treatment for mental health patients have already been established. Minister Geela noted that more than 10,000 individuals reached out for mental health support through the "1484" helpline last year alone, following its launch in February 2024.
Responding to a query from Member of Parliament for North Galolhu, Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo), Geela stated that over 70,000 individuals sought psychiatric consultations between 2023 and 2025. Of these, 45,000 consultations were recorded within the Greater Male' region.
As part of the government's ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of mental health services, a decision has been made to establish a specialized mental health hospital in Hulhumalé. The Minister stated that a 10,000-square-foot land plot has already been allocated for the project. The facility is envisioned to be a state-of-the-art center equipped with the latest modern resources to provide comprehensive treatment.
The Minister highlighted that the Mental Health Department currently operating at IGMH is space-constrained, noting that the high volume of patients has led to significant challenges in providing inpatient care.
Psychiatric services are currently being provided across various regions of the Maldives. These include hospitals in the Male' area, as well as regional facilities in Hdh. Kulhudhuffushi, R. Ungoofaaru, L. Gan, Gdh. Thinadhoo, and the Addu Equatorial Hospital.
