Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem has stated that the health sector needs more Maldivian representation.
At a press conference held at the President's Office, Minister Naseem expressed hope that the new pay framework will incentivise Maldivians to pursue careers in the health sector, which would reduce the cost of hiring foreign workers. He added that the changes will encourage doctors, nurses, and other workers to join training programmes to advance their careers.
Also at the press conference, Minister of Gender, Family, and Social Services Aishath Mohamed Didi said President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has prioritised the treatment of mental illnesses and that the new pay framework will allow authorities to retain mental health professionals. She added that the Ministry of Gender, Family, and Social Services will work to train qualified individuals for the field.
The new pay framework implemented on May 1 has resulted in 3,710 workers receiving an increase in pay, of which 520 are working at regional hospitals, 471 in atoll hospitals, 965 in health centres, 1,004 in Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), 298 in Hulhumale' Hospital, and 452 employees in other facilities such as the gender ministry, juvenile justice department, and schools.