Health in Maldives

Life expectancy by WBG -Maldives

Health in Maldives

The Maldives is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant marine life. The health sector in the Maldives has seen significant improvements over the years, but it still faces several challenges due to its unique geographical and socio-economic conditions.

Healthcare System

The healthcare system in the Maldives is a mix of public and private services. The Ministry of Health is responsible for the overall governance and regulation of health services in the country. The public healthcare system is organized into a three-tier structure: primary, secondary, and tertiary care.

Primary Care

Primary healthcare services are provided through a network of health centers and family health clinics spread across the inhabited islands. These facilities offer basic medical services, maternal and child health care, and preventive health services.

Secondary Care

Secondary care is provided by regional hospitals located in the atolls. These hospitals offer more specialized services, including emergency care, inpatient services, and diagnostic facilities.

Tertiary Care

Tertiary care is available at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in the capital city, Malé. IGMH is the largest hospital in the Maldives and provides advanced medical services, including specialized surgeries and treatments.

Health Indicators

The Maldives has made significant progress in improving health indicators over the past few decades. The life expectancy at birth has increased, and the infant mortality rate has decreased. However, the country still faces challenges such as the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the need for improved mental health services.

Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy in the Maldives is approximately 78 years, with women generally living longer than men.

Infant Mortality

The infant mortality rate has significantly decreased due to improved healthcare services and better access to maternal and child health care.

Non-Communicable Diseases

Non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, are on the rise in the Maldives. These diseases are primarily attributed to lifestyle changes, including unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity.

Public Health Challenges

The Maldives faces several public health challenges, including the management of communicable diseases, the impact of climate change on health, and the need for better mental health services.

Communicable Diseases

While the Maldives has made progress in controlling communicable diseases, outbreaks of diseases such as dengue fever and tuberculosis still occur. The government continues to implement vaccination programs and public health campaigns to address these issues.

Climate Change

The Maldives is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events. These changes pose significant risks to public health, including the potential for increased waterborne diseases and food insecurity.

Mental Health

Mental health services in the Maldives are limited, and there is a need for greater awareness and resources to address mental health issues. The government is working to integrate mental health services into the primary healthcare system.

Health Infrastructure

The Maldives has a well-developed health infrastructure, with a network of health facilities spread across the islands. However, the geographical dispersion of the islands poses challenges in terms of accessibility and the delivery of healthcare services.

Health Facilities

The Maldives has a total of 6 regional hospitals, 14 atoll hospitals, 187 health centers, and several private clinics and pharmacies. The government is working to improve the quality and accessibility of health services across the country.

Human Resources

The Maldives faces a shortage of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists. The government has implemented various initiatives to train and retain healthcare workers, including partnerships with international medical institutions.

See Also

• Ministry of Health (Maldives)
• Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital
• Malé
• Dengue fever
• Tuberculosis
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Cancer