The government is working to introduce a national mental health law and strengthen access to psychological and psychiatric services across the Maldives, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said, as his administration seeks to place greater emphasis on early diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
In a message issued to mark World Mental Health Day, the President outlined plans to develop a more accessible and equitable mental healthcare system, supported by policy reforms, expanded regional services and the use of digital technology.
He said the government’s approach would focus on identifying mental health conditions at an early stage and ensuring that people can obtain appropriate treatment without unnecessary barriers.
Central to these efforts is the Mental Health Strategic Action Plan for 2025 to 2029, which provides a framework for strengthening mental healthcare services and introducing reforms to the country’s mental health system.
Muizzu said work is underway to formulate a national mental health policy and legislation specifically addressing mental healthcare.
The proposed reforms are intended to support the development of a system that responds more effectively to the needs of patients while making services easier for the public to access.
The President also stressed that people who have experienced mental health challenges should have a voice in shaping the services and policies intended to support them.
He said consultation and participation from individuals with lived experience would form an important part of efforts to develop a fairer and more responsive mental healthcare system.
Beyond legislative changes, the administration is working to integrate mental health services more closely into the country’s wider public healthcare network.
The President highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and specialist mental health services, alongside the development of tele-mental health facilities and emergency care systems.
Tele-mental health services allow patients to access consultations and certain forms of mental healthcare remotely, potentially reducing the need for travel to specialist facilities.
Such services are particularly relevant to the Maldives, where communities are spread across geographically dispersed islands and access to specialist healthcare can vary between regions.
Patients living outside the Greater Malé region may face additional challenges when seeking specialist consultations, making the expansion of regional services and remote care an important consideration in healthcare planning.
Integrating mental healthcare into general health services can also help patients receive initial assessments and referrals through familiar healthcare facilities rather than relying entirely on specialised centres.
The President said the administration’s priorities extend beyond treatment to preventing mental health conditions where possible and encouraging earlier identification of symptoms.
Early intervention can help people receive appropriate support before their difficulties become more severe, while timely access to professional care remains important for those experiencing mental health conditions.
Muizzu also emphasised the importance of ensuring that mental health services are delivered to a high standard and remain accessible to people from different backgrounds and communities.
World Mental Health Day is observed internationally on October 10 each year to raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage greater support for people experiencing mental health challenges.
The annual observance also draws attention to the need to reduce stigma, strengthen mental healthcare systems and ensure that mental health receives appropriate attention within public health policy.
In the Maldives, efforts to improve mental healthcare have increasingly highlighted the importance of specialist availability, regional access, public awareness and the integration of mental health support into everyday healthcare services.
Muizzu said the government’s broader objective is to build a society in which people facing mental health challenges receive understanding and support, alongside access to appropriate professional care.
He called for a compassionate society built on mutual assistance, describing community support and improved healthcare access as important parts of the administration’s approach to mental wellbeing.
