President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has constituted the National Mental Health Department under the Ministry of Health.
The new department was established under the discretion vested in the President by Section 116 of the Constitution of the Maldives. The number 489 should be used in all correspondence addressed to the new authority as per the numbering system for state agencies, according to a directive by the President’s Office.
The National Mental Health Department is tasked with increasing mental well-being and awareness of mental health in the country as well as commencing mental health-related programmes. The department will also oversee all mental health-related work and the mental health services being provided by government agencies.
Furthermore, the department will strengthen ties with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and provide them with assistance and consultations. It will also obtain assistance and consultations from international organisations as well as conduct surveys and collect relevant data.