President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the administration would significantly enhance access to healthcare through its efforts to expand services across the country. He made these remarks while speaking at the function to mark World Health Day 2023. The function held at the Dharubaaruge convention centre was attended by First Lady Fazna Ahmed, senior officials of the Ministry of Health and World Health Organisation (WHO).
Speaking at the function, President Solih highlighted the response of the administration to the COVID-19 pandemic and its efforts to expand and enhance healthcare services nationwide. He noted that the administration is developing tertiary hospitals in five regions and that another seven hospitals are being developed with the assistance of the Kuwait Fund.
Additionally, President Solih stated that communicable diseases were the leading causes of death in the past. He added that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for most deaths in the Maldives and stressed the importance of researching to identify the reasons for the increase.
Shedding light on this year's theme for World Health Day: Health for All, President Solih stated that it aligned with the administration's efforts to revive primary healthcare. He added that public health was at its peak when significant efforts were made to promote primary healthcare across the country. He also noted that WHO was marking its 75th anniversary this year and highlighted its significant role over the years in promoting healthcare and public health in the Maldives.
At the ceremony, Director General of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) Maimoona Aboobakuru presented a summary report of the administration's COVID-19 response to President Solih.