President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has highlighted the importance of mental healthcare being made accessible to everyone.
In a statement on World Mental Health Day, President Solih reminded citizens to extend kindness towards others to make the world a better place. He noted that everyone deserves understanding, empathy, and resources, adding that access to mental healthcare should be made available to all.
In the past five years, the government worked to address the rise in mental illnesses by raising public awareness about mental health conditions and encouraging treatment. As part of the efforts, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) opened the Centre for Mental Health in 2019 and opened a mental health ward to facilitate the admission of mental health patients in June 2022.
Mental health services were also expanded at Hulhumale' Hospital with the opening of the Mental Health Centre in October 2022. The services are also available at tertiary and regional hospitals across the country. In addition, President Solih allowed mental illnesses to be treated under the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha. Mental illness is a disease that many people ignore and are ashamed to address. However, the perception of mental health has changed in the country, resulting in more people willing to seek treatment.