The government decided to establish the Maldives' planned Mental Health Hospital in the Male' region because it is where the highest number of patients seek treatment, Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali has said.
The Minister made the remarks while responding to questions from Members of Parliament, including a query raised by Parliamentarian for North Galolhu Mohamed Ibrahim regarding the proposed mental health facility.
Health Minister Geela said that while no separate study had been conducted to determine whether the hospital should be located outside the Male' region, decisions on such facilities must be based on patient demand and the availability of resources.
According to data cited by the Minister, more than 70,000 mental health consultations were conducted nationwide over the past three years. Of those, approximately 45,000 consultations took place within the Male' region.
She noted that mental health services require highly specialised resources and expertise, which are largely concentrated in the capital region.
The Minister said the government has finalised plans to construct the hospital in Hulhumalé and has allocated a 10,000-square-foot plot of land for the project.
"Over the past years, adequate treatment could not be provided because there was no dedicated hospital assigned for mental healthcare within the health system, and previous governments gave low priority to this issue," Geela said. She added that mental illness continues to carry stigma and fear, often causing people to delay seeking treatment.
"Mental illness is a condition that breeds anxiety and fear among the public, and this is not unique to the Maldives. Consequently, people hesitate and delay seeking treatment for mental illnesses. This is exactly why we are establishing a specialised system to treat these specific conditions," she said.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts by the current administration to strengthen mental health services.
According to Geela, 60 individuals receiving care at the Home for People with Special Needs in Guraidhoo, Kaafu Atoll have successfully completed treatment and been reintegrated into the community.
She further noted that the government's mental health helpline handled more than 10,000 calls last year, describing it as a significant step forward in expanding access to support services.
While psychiatric services are currently available in different parts of the country, Geela said the new Mental Health Hospital will be a state-of-the-art facility equipped with modern resources to provide comprehensive mental healthcare services.