Health Minister Geela Ali said today that cancer treatment remains the leading reason for overseas medical referrals under the Aasandha national health insurance scheme.
Speaking at today’s Parliament session, Geela noted that cancer patients have accounted for the highest number of overseas referrals consistently over the past three years.
"Statistics from the last three years show that the majority of referrals were for oncology or cancer treatment, as well as for complex diagnostic tests required due to the nature of the disease," she said.
The minister explained that these overseas referrals include patients requiring follow-up care as well as Maldivian citizens currently residing abroad.
"I must note that this includes both new patients and those requiring repeat visits due to their illness. It also includes Maldivians living in neighboring countries," she added.
Number of patients referred abroad for cancer treatment:
- 2023 - 1,638
- 2024 - 1,996
- 2025 - 2,000+
The minister further clarified that while a large number of patients are sent abroad for specialized care, the majority of chemotherapy sessions are now conducted within the Maldives.
"In 2025, only 39 people sought chemotherapy services abroad. With nine beds dedicated to chemotherapy at IGMH and Hulhumalé Hospital, Hulhumalé Hospital alone provided services to 755 patients in 2025," Geela said.
There are currently over 1,900 individuals registered in the national cancer registry, the majority of whom are women. Breast cancer is the most prevalent among women, while colon, lung, thyroid, cervical, and liver cancers are also frequently reported in the Maldives.
The mortality rate from cancer is on the rise in the Maldives. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 264 people died from cancer in the Maldives in 2020.
