Health Minister Geela Ali revealed today that statistics show more than 70,000 people across the Maldives have consulted mental health professionals over the past three years.
Responding to a question by Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo), Geela said that between 2023 and the end of 2025, over 70,000 individuals sought psychiatric consultations, with 45,000 of those cases recorded in the Greater Male’ area.
"National statistics indicate that over a three-year period from 2023 to 2025, more than 70,000 individuals sought psychiatric assistance. I am referring specifically to psychiatric consultations. Out of these, 45,000 people sought medical care within the Male’ region," she said.
The minister further noted that the mental health helpline, 1484, received over 10,000 calls for assistance last year alone.
Highlighting plans for a dedicated mental health hospital in Hulhumale’, Geela revealed that the government has already allocated a 10,000-square-foot plot of land for the project. She emphasized that the hospital would be developed with modern facilities.
Psychiatric services are currently available at Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital, Laamu Gan Regional Hospital, Addu Equatorial Hospital, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Hospital, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, and Hulhumale’ Hospital.
President Mohamed Muizzu previously said that the mental health hospital project in the Male’ region will be initiated using funds from the government’s New Policy Initiatives budget for this year.
While a cost for the project was not disclosed, Muizzu noted that a previously planned hospital in Gan was estimated at USD 18 million, suggesting that the current project would be more cost-effective.
