The Maldives is set to embark on a transformative journey, with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu unveiling plans to fully digitalise the healthcare and education sectors during his administration. The announcement came during an interview with PSM News following his official visit to Estonia, a country renowned for its advanced digital infrastructure.
President Muizzu’s visit to Estonia, which began on January 13 at the invitation of Estonian President Dr. Alar Karis, focused on studying the country’s digital advancements and fostering potential collaborations. He described the trip as an illuminating experience, highlighting Estonia’s innovations in public service digitalisation, especially in healthcare and education.
Digital Revolution in Healthcare and Education
The President emphasised that digitalisation in healthcare aims to enhance service delivery by streamlining processes, improving patient care, and increasing efficiency through technology. Similarly, the digitalisation of education seeks to revolutionise teaching and learning by integrating technology at every level.
“Particularly this year, we are committed to digitalising government services, with a focus on healthcare and education,” Dr. Muizzu said. He expressed confidence that significant progress could be achieved within the next three to four years, laying the foundation for a more efficient and modern public service framework.
Vision for a Digital Economy
President Muizzu outlined a broader vision of transforming the Maldives into a developed nation by 2040. A key component of this strategy is the digital economy, which the government aims to expand significantly over the next five years.
“Our goal is to ensure that at least 15% of our GDP is derived from the digital economy. This represents our broader policy and vision for national development,” he stated.
To support this vision, the administration is prioritising the conversion of years of analogue records into a comprehensive digital archive. Additionally, efforts are underway to develop a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Masterplan, recognising AI’s potential to drive economic and societal growth.
Lessons from Estonia
President Muizzu praised Estonia as a global leader in digital transformation, particularly in preventative healthcare and education. He expressed gratitude for Estonia’s willingness to assist the Maldives in its digital journey, seeing this collaboration as a pivotal step in achieving his administration’s goals.
He also highlighted the importance of public and civil service support in realising this vision. “The full backing of the people and our civil service employees is essential for the success of this initiative,” he added.
Looking Ahead
The President’s digitalisation strategy marks a significant step toward modernising the Maldives and positioning it as a leader in the digital economy within the region. As the administration works to implement these ambitious plans, it aims to pave the way for a more connected, efficient, and innovative future.
With plans for digital transformation firmly in place, the Maldives is set to embrace the opportunities of the digital age, ensuring long-term development and prosperity for its people.
