Pres. ratifies amendment to Public Health Protection Act

The first amendment legislation to the Public Health Protection Act has been ratified.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ratified the amendment on Tuesday, with which it has been publicized in the government gazette.

Upon ratification, the amendment will see the establishment of improved protocols in order to govern a state of public health emergency, which has been in effect across the Maldives since 12 March 2020, in the face of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Further protocols to govern such measures will also be improved for future crisis.

The legislation received approval from the People's Majlis during its 37th sitting of the first session of the ongoing year on April 29.

In addition to enhancing public finance expenditure protocols during such times of crisis, the amendment requires the Minister of Finance, Ibrahim Ameer, to submit a financial reports every month as well as bi-monthly spending forecasts to the People's Majlis.

Requirments to enhance public finance expenditure protocols will mandate the finance minister to report any increases in expenditure which were earmarked for health emergencies, previously upon which the People's Majlis will approve additional spending.

Further the first amendment to the act also mandates the Auditor General to provide a thorough audit for spending before the 60th day after the state of public health emergency is revoked, to the president and parliament.

All of the reports submitted to the People's Majlis will be published in the government gazette for the public to access as well.