Questions raised over state social protection system following case of elderly man living in distress in Faresmaathoda
16 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ބުދަ 18:13Member of Parliament Ibrahim has questioned the government regarding the challenges of taking vulnerable individuals into state care and the critical lack of capacity in existing facilities, following reports of an elderly person living in dire conditions in GDh. Faresmaathoda. Furthermore, the MP called for legal action against families who neglect their elderly relatives and urged the establishment of a robust social mechanism to ensure the welfare of vulnerable citizens within their home islands.
Concerns have been raised over the delays in establishing a national long-term care system for the elderly, even as the aging population in the Maldives continues to grow. | The Press
Member of Parliament for North Galolhu, Mohamed Ibrahim, has sent a formal inquiry to the Minister of Health, Family, and Welfare, Geela Ali, regarding an elderly person in GDh. Faresmaathodaa who lived in neglect without family support for two years. The MP raised serious concerns over the systemic failures and challenges within the Maldives' social protection framework and requested a clarification of the facts surrounding the case.
In the letter, the member noted that the delay in taking the individual into state care was due to a lack of space at the Home for People with Special Needs in K. Guraidhoo. In the submission to question the relevant minister on this matter, the member characterized the abandonment of vulnerable and isolated individuals within the community—under the pretext of capacity constraints—as an act of state negligence. Furthermore, the member requested details regarding the efforts undertaken thus far to expand the capacity of such centers.
Furthermore, questions have been raised regarding the absence of an emergency protocol within the system to facilitate the care of such individuals. Specifically, the inquiry highlights the lack of a mechanism to appoint temporary caregivers at the island level in situations where immediate placement in specialized centers is unavailable.
Furthermore, clarification has been sought regarding whether the Ministry has submitted this matter to the relevant authorities for legal action against children who neglect their parents, pursuant to Sections 57 and 58 of the Family Act.
Furthermore, as the elderly population in the Maldives continues to grow, concerns were raised regarding the delay in establishing a national long-term care system. Questions were also directed at relevant government authorities seeking accountability over the specific budget allocations within the social protection framework dedicated to ensuring the rights of the elderly. Additionally, the lack of social workers in the atolls to identify and assist those in vulnerable conditions remains a significant point of concern.
The member further noted that this incident highlights the urgent need to strengthen the national protection system for elderly citizens living alone across the Maldives.
