The government has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to public healthcare in the recently unveiled 2026 budget, allocating a monumental USD 570.7 million to overhaul and develop the national health sector.
This significant allocation fulfills previous announcement by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu that the healthcare system would receive top developmental priority next year.
The comprehensive budgetary provision is designed to address immediate needs while funding long-term strategic growth projects. Of the total allocation, USD 74.6 million has been specifically set aside for critical medical assistance and the procurement of essential medical equipment. An additional USD 972,763 has been budgeted to stimulate innovation and knowledge within the field, dedicated to supporting various researches in the health sector.
Ifrastructure development forms a cornerstone of the 2026 budget plan, heavily featuring in the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP). Over USD 59 million has been allocated solely for PSIP projects dedicated to healthcare infrastructure. This robust investment will see more than USD 27.9 million channeled into the development and upgrade of existing hospitals. Crucially, attention has also been given to community access, with health centres across the Atolls receiving an allocation of over USD 15 million.
In a marked shift toward comprehensive care, more than USD 6.6 million has been specifically budgeted for mental health services and rehabilitation facilities across the country.
President Dr Muizzu had highlighted that the funds will be targeted at broad systemic reforms. The President noted that a large percentage of the budget will be allocated for infrastructure development projects aimed at strengthening the rural healthcare system, converting hospitals in various areas to tertiary level care, constructing new hospitals and health centres, and significantly increasing the overall healthcare workforce.