The administration's goal is to leverage digital resources and technological advancements to bolster and enhance healthcare services across the nation, stated Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the Minister of Health. He made this statement during the International Health Dialogue 2025 (IHD2025) session, part of the 12th International Patient Safety Conference (IPSC), held in New Delhi, India, from 21 to 22 February.
The conference, organised by Apollo Hospitals, included a diverse array of sessions such as informative presentations, panel discussions, debates, and paper presentations.
In his address, Minister Ibrahim highlighted the potential of a digital healthcare system to deliver safe and efficient healthcare services. Integrating digital healthcare systems could mitigate human errors and elevate healthcare standards through advanced digital technologies, he explained. Minister Ibrahim also underscored the administration's commitment to augment and employ digital technologies to fortify the nation's healthcare sector.
To further these efforts, Minister Ibrahim unveiled plans to introduce a digital health blueprint framework imminently. The framework, he said, aims to enhance healthcare services and ensure comprehensive care for the maximum number of people, a central tenet of the framework's roadmap.
He also pointed out the Maldives' progress, stating, "We have already established digital platforms related to primary healthcare and vaccination. With these initiatives, the Maldives has already become a significant regional player in introducing digital healthcare solutions."
Minister Ibrahim also addressed potential challenges posed by digital healthcare systems, stressing the need to safeguard patient privacy and confidential information stored on digital platforms. Enhancing the cybersecurity framework and continuous monitoring of these systems are imperative, he added.
In an interview with Indo-Asian News Service (IANS), Minister Ibrahim remarked, "I think the topics of the conference, incorporating technology in health, is one of the most important areas that we need to concentrate as leaders."
He continued, "I think that is the way forward in providing healthcare to the people, especially countries like the Maldives, where the communities are very much scattered, living in small islands, technology is, I would say, the way forward for the healthcare. The other important topic, patient safety, is, of course, must be the pillars of health service providers."
Minister Ibrahim commenced his visit to New Delhi on 20 February to attend the IPSC. He is scheduled to conclude his visit and return to Malé on 23 February.