Maldives’ first Urban Primary Healthcare Center (UPHC), a pivotal initiative by the present government to bolster the public health system, has officially commenced operations and begun providing services.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the state-of-the-art facility on the 19 November, marking a significant step towards more accessible community health services.
Designed to be a cornerstone of local wellness, the centre offers a comprehensive suite of general health information, medical checkups, and treatment for common diseases. It features dedicated clinics, including a General Practitioner (GP) clinic, a pediatric health clinic, and a wellness clinic, catering to a wide array of medical needs for urban residents.
The UPHC is open daily from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm, with the exception of Fridays serving from 3:30 pm to 10:00 pm, ensuring broad accessibility for working individuals and families. Its services are strategically divided into three main categories - direct consultations with general practitioners, referrals to specialists when additional treatment is required, and the implementation of national public health promotion programmes.
Key services at the GP Clinic include family medicine consultations, treatment for common illnesses, recommended diagnostic tests, prescription renewals, minor procedures, X-ray facilities, and an on-site pharmacy.
The Child Health Clinic focuses on essential preventive care for the youngest citizens, offering growth monitoring and developmental milestone checks for children under five, providing guidance to parents on breastfeeding and diet, administering Vitamin-A and other medications for children aged 2-5, and delivering vaccinations according to the National Vaccination Schedule, alongside optional vaccinations.
Additionally, the Wellness Clinic is dedicated to proactive health, offering traveler vaccination services, support for individuals seeking to quit smoking, mental health and counseling services, and promoting healthy lifestyle habits.
This first centre is a direct reflection of President Dr Muizzu’s health policy, which places a strong emphasis on disease prevention. The government plans to expand this initiative significantly, with five additional UPHCs slated for development within the Male' city area – three in Male' and two in Hulhumale'.
The strengthening of the health sector remains a top priority for the President, with substantial budgetary allocations for health expected in the upcoming 2026 state budget, underscoring the administration's commitment to building a resilient and accessible public health infrastructure.