First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has called for continued investment in healthcare and greater collaboration among medical professionals, stating that accessible healthcare is one of the cornerstones of building a fair and equitable society.
Speaking at the opening of the 3rd International Joint Conference for Healthcare Professionals 2026, the First Lady said ensuring quality healthcare for every citizen should remain a national priority, particularly in an island nation such as the Maldives where access to services can present unique challenges.
The conference, attended by healthcare professionals from the Maldives and nine other countries, serves as a platform to exchange medical knowledge, discuss emerging healthcare trends and explore solutions to challenges facing the sector.
Addressing delegates, Sajidha said healthcare should not be viewed solely as a public service, but as an essential foundation for social development and equality.
She noted that a healthy population is vital to a country’s long-term progress, adding that investments in healthcare ultimately translate into stronger communities and improved quality of life.
The First Lady also highlighted the importance of professional collaboration, saying conferences of this nature provide an opportunity for doctors, nurses, researchers and other healthcare specialists to share experiences, present research findings and develop innovative approaches to patient care.
Referring to the rapid advances taking place in global healthcare, she said the Maldives is continuing efforts to strengthen its healthcare system by investing in infrastructure, developing human resources and introducing modern medical services to meet growing demand.
She stressed that healthcare should remain accessible to everyone regardless of where they live, noting that equitable access is especially important in an archipelago spread across nearly 200 inhabited islands.
Sajidha also paid tribute to the country’s nurses, describing them as indispensable members of the healthcare workforce who remain by the side of patients and their families throughout treatment and recovery. She praised their dedication and compassion, saying their contribution is central to the delivery of quality healthcare.
Concluding her remarks, the First Lady encouraged participants to use the conference to identify practical solutions tailored to the Maldivian healthcare system, expressing hope that discussions held during the event would contribute to improving healthcare services across the country.
The International Joint Conference for Healthcare Professionals is organised to promote collaboration among healthcare practitioners while encouraging the exchange of medical expertise and innovative ideas aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes.
