Parliamentary resolution calls for strong mental healthcare system

A resolution has been submitted to the Parliament calling for the establishment of a strong mental health care system to address the lack of proper framework on mental healthcare services and services that promote mental wellbeing, leaving people unable to properly treat mental illness.

The resolution was presented by Maldives National Party (MNP) deputy leader, Thimarafushi MP Abdulla Riyaz on Monday.

Riyaz said the current mental healthcare system does not adequately cater to the Maldivian population.

Riyaz noted that Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH)’s Center for Mental Health – which provides mental healthcare services covered by Aasadha – the national health insurance system – has a huge waitlist, leaving patients unable to access services at an adequate speed.

“Despite it being stated on the government’s Strategic Action Plan a quality healthcare system will be established to treat mental illness and promote mental wellbeing, we have not seen the outcomes to show the government is adequately implementing the policies,” he said.

Riyaz noted the lack of mental healthcare centers in Maldives, especially in outer lying islands.

He stressed the need to minimize the gap in access to mental healthcare services between Male’ area and islands outside the capital.

He also noted the shortage of local mental healthcare professionals, and called on the government to hire mental healthcare professionals from abroad.

Riyaz also noted the lack of selfcare system or programs to treat mental health patients hesitant to seek treatment from hospitals and clinics.

He also expressed concern over lack of in-depth research into the extent of mental illness in Maldives.

Riyaz said that two years back, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had said his administration was engaged in efforts to establish a proper mental healthcare system in Maldives as a special priority, and to expand mental healthcare services to outer lying islands and provide mental health patients with the legal protection they require.

“Article 4 and Article 9 of Health Services Act stipulates formulating policies for healthcare services, training healthcare professionals, and conducting research related to healthcare as the mandate of the Health Ministry,” said Riyaz.

Riyaz said the Health Ministry has not formulated policies for mental healthcare services, leaving mental health patients and their families suffering.

The Center for Mental Health was established in 2019, to realize President Solih’s electoral pledge to expand mental healthcare services and cover mental healthcare under Aasandha. A second Center for Mental Health was opened in Hulhumale’ Hospital in October, and a decided Mental Healthcare Department was opened at Health Ministry last week.