Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdullah Rafiu has revealed the government's plans to enter agreements with Malaysia, to train surgical doctors. The minister unveiled the plans during a seminar held to discuss sports injuries. The seminar was held in collaborative efforts of the Maldivian Orthopaedic Association, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery and Malaysia's Kebangsaan University.
Speaking at the seminar, Minister Rafiu stated the risk of injuries were higher with the increase in sports activities in the nation. The minister emphasised the need for more medical professionals to meet the escalating demand.
Furthermore, Minister Rafiu highlighted the ongoing efforts of the government to build a healthier and active society. As such, efforts are underway to sign agreements with Malaysia, to train doctors to treat sports injuries. Under the agreement, local doctors will receive adequate training from Malaysian universities.
During the seminar which was held from June 26 - 27, discussions were held with several experts, regarding the injuries athletes suffer from. As such, discussions focusing on the difficulties in obtaining treatment for joint pain in the shoulder and knees were held as well.