Ministry of Higher Education has revealed that seven doctors have received scholarships under the Medical Doctors Specialisation Scholarship 2023.
The higher education ministry opened the scholarship opportunities in April. All expenses incurred in the scholarships will be covered by the government of the Maldives, with opportunities to study in 21 countries.
The scholarship provides the opportunity to study Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine, Spine Surgery, Pediatric Pulmonology, Gynecology, General Surgery, and Pediatrics. An opportunity has been opened in each of these seven fields. The countries offered in these courses include Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Pakistan. The courses are open to Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) holders, and those applying for Pediatric Pulmonology with a specialty in Pediatrics. Individuals are also required to be registered with the Maldives Medical and Dental Council.
In a video message, Minister of Higher Education Dr. Ibrahim Hassan said that the government gives special priority to the development of professionals needed for the health sector through higher education opportunities. He added that the aim is to expand specialist services in all parts of the country and, as such, the scholarship is provided by the government on a bond for the recipients to return to the country and serve under the Ministry of Health and provide easy access to services to citizens in various atolls.
A total of 49 doctors applied for the scholarship, and the recipients were chosen based on the points they received during the evaluation process. Doctors selected for the scholarship must begin their studies within 10 months of receiving the scholarship.