Ministry of Higher Education has revealed that students who have been given the opportunity to study for Master's Degree in mental health-related fields have started their studies.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced in August 2021 that 30 master’s level scholarships in mental health-related fields will be open for application. The ministry opened the opportunity to apply for the scholarships in September.
The higher education ministry said a total of five students are currently studying Master of Science in Addiction Studies at the University of Malta. The programme is fully funded by the Government of the Maldives. The students have to serve a state institution upon completion of the course.
One of the biggest challenges facing the treatment of mental health is the lack of trained professionals, according to the Ministry of Health. Therefore, efforts are being made to train individuals in the sector to serve in Male’ City and the atolls in the Maldives. The government is working to strengthen the treatment of mental illness in the Maldives. In addition to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), the Hulhumale’ Hospital opened centres for mental illness. The service will also be covered under Aasandha Company Limited. Mental health centres are also being established in Addu City and Fuvahmulah City as part of the efforts to expand mental health services in the atolls.