Joint Opposition’s presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has vowed to establish a national mental health policy.

Speaking at the gathering held in Velidhoo island of Noonu atoll on Monday night, Solih said that a Joint Opposition administration will give the utmost priority to healthcare, adding that they will bring all necessary changes to ensure the well-being of all Maldivians.

Noting that a number of Maldivians suffer from mental illnesses, Solih said ‘this is something that need to be given importance’ as well.

He said that a Joint Opposition administration will establish a national mental health policy, as well as a medical negligence committee. Solih further added that the medical council’s work will be expanded and its regulations ‘strengthened’.

In addition, he said that Aasandha - Maldives’ national healthcare insurance scheme- was introduced to provide free medical assistance to all Maldivians, adding that ‘this is yet to happen’. Solih said that an opposition administration will provide Aasandha to mental illnesses as well.

Noting that Maldivians still have to beg for such basic necessities, Solih said that his administration will ensure all Maldivians proper healthcare ‘without any discriminations’.

Solih also noted that the healthcare system for people with special needs ‘will be strengthened’, adding that their administration will establish a system where they can easily seek medical assistance from an early age.

He further vowed to increase salaries of the health sector, including that of nurses and other health workers.