State budget deficit reaches MVR 1.5 billion
23 ޖުލައި 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 09:05The state has recorded a revenue of MVR 22.9 billion so far this year against a total expenditure of MVR 24.5 billion, resulting in a budget deficit of MVR 1.5 billion. Despite President Muizzu's pledge to prioritize the healthcare sector, official statistics from the Ministry of Finance reveal that spending on the Ministry of Health continues to lag behind the expenditures allocated to the security services.
The largest share of revenue is generated from the Tourism Goods and Services Tax (T-GST). | getty images
The state budget recorded a deficit of MVR 1.5 billion between January 1 and July 16, 2026, as government expenditure outpaced total revenue during this period.
According to the Weekly Fiscal Development report released by the Ministry of Finance on the 21st of this month, total revenue and grants received during this period amounted to MVR 22,979.7 million.
However, total government expenditure during this period has risen to MVR 24,515 million.
According to the latest state revenue and expenditure statistics, the national budget has recorded a deficit of MVR 1,535.3 million during this period.
The government has proposed and the People's Majlis has approved a budget of 64.2 billion Rufiyaa for the current year.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the health sector will be the top priority in the 2026 state budget, emphasizing that ensuring a healthy population is a vital investment for the nation.
Despite the President's remarks, mid-year budget expenditure reports reveal that the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare’s spending currently lags behind that of the Maldives Police Service and the Maldives National Defense Force.
