Mental health care in the Maldives, long regarded as one of the country’s most overlooked areas of public health, is now at the centre of a renewed government drive for reform. It has been only a few years since the nation established a dedicated mental health centre, a delay that many health professionals say underscored the urgency for systemic intervention.
In his Presidential Address, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu acknowledged the scale of the challenge, describing mental health as “a critically important area in the Maldives that requires significant attention.”
That recognition at the highest level of government marks what officials portray as a decisive shift in national priorities.
Legislative and Structural Reform
Central to the reform agenda is the drafting of a new Mental Health Bill, aimed at embedding access to care within a clear legal framework. According to the Ministry of Health, the legislation seeks not only to guarantee services for those seeking support, but also to regulate standards of treatment and professional practice.
Officials say parallel efforts are under way to review the National Mental Health Policy, along with central and regional service plans. While a National Suicide Prevention Strategy has already been adopted, authorities are now developing a dedicated dementia strategy, an acknowledgement of the country’s evolving demographic and healthcare needs.
Director General of the National Mental Health Department Fathimath Leena said work is also progressing on the creation of a National Mental Health Referral Pathway, intended to streamline services and ensure patients are guided efficiently through different levels of care.
Expanding Access and Support
In a move designed to improve accessibility, the government has established a dedicated mental health helpline, which has reportedly assisted more than 13,000 people within a year of operation.
Collaborative initiatives with the President’s Office include training specialised caregivers, forming peer-support networks and establishing additional mental health clinics. Telemedicine, which is already part of the broader healthcare framework is also being expanded to include tele-mental health services, enabling remote psychological consultations across the island nation.
Infrastructure and Capacity Building
Officials concede that infrastructure deficits have posed a significant obstacle. The Home for People with Special Needs in Guraidhoo, which serves as the country’s centralised mental health facility, had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect.
Over the past year, the government says it has invested in upgrading the centre’s resources and facilities. Construction is now under way on two additional buildings, intended to expand capacity and improve patient accommodation.
At the same time, emphasis is being placed on strengthening human resource capacity. The Ministry of Health says training and professional development programmes are being prioritised to address shortages of qualified mental health practitioners.
Financial Protection and Long-Term Impact
A further reform has been the extension of full coverage for mental health treatment under the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha, which is a long-standing public demand in a sector where treatment costs can be prohibitive.
The government maintains that the cumulative impact of these measures will become visible in the coming years, as services expand beyond the capital and into regional communities.
Advocates argue that beyond individual well-being, the stakes are national. A mentally healthier population, they say, is fundamental not only to social stability but also to productivity and sustainable economic development.