President Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government will finance the construction of a dedicated mental health hospital in Malé through the state budget, citing the urgent need to expand services in response to rising mental health concerns nationwide.
The announcement was made during a series of press briefings held at the President’s Office, where the President outlined the administration’s evolving approach to strengthening mental healthcare infrastructure.
Responding to Growing Demand
President Muizzu noted that the number of people seeking mental health support in the Maldives has been increasing in recent years, placing additional pressure on existing services.
He said the government has been actively exploring solutions to improve access to care, including efforts to secure foreign financing for large-scale projects. However, delays linked to loan processing prompted a shift in strategy.
The President explained that while a previously planned mental health facility in L. Gan — funded through external loans — remains under consideration, the government has opted to proceed with a separate hospital in Malé using domestic funding to fast-track implementation.
Parallel Projects in Malé and L. Gan
Under the revised plan, the new state-funded hospital will be built in Malé on a plot of land already designated for the project.
Meanwhile, the proposed facility in L. Gan is expected to move forward once financing arrangements are finalised. That project is planned for a 14,000-square-foot site, with an estimated cost of around USD 18 million.
Officials said the decision to develop an additional facility in the capital reflects the urgency of addressing immediate service gaps, particularly in the Greater Malé area where demand is highest.
Expanding Access Through Aasandha
The President also highlighted improvements made through the inclusion of mental health services under the Aasandha scheme.
According to figures shared during the briefing, between 1 January and 23 April, a total of 10,954 individuals accessed psychiatric consultations and psychological therapy under the programme.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to further expand mental health services across the atolls, ensuring more equitable access to care nationwide.
Strengthening the Healthcare System
The planned hospital in Malé is expected to play a key role in enhancing specialised mental health services, complementing existing facilities and supporting early intervention, treatment and long-term care.
The initiative signals a broader policy shift toward prioritising mental health as a critical component of the national healthcare system, as the government moves to address both immediate needs and long-term challenges in the sector.
