VP Faisal: Major progress achieved in strengthening the social protection system

Vice President Faisal Naseem, on Wednesday, underscored that the current administration has achieved major progress in strengthening the social protection system.

He made the remark while speaking at the launching ceremony of the National Consultation on Readiness to Implement Action Plan to Strengthen Regional Cooperation on Social Protection in the Maldives held at Hotel Jen on Wednesday morning.

Stressing the importance of strengthening the Maldives’ social security system, VP Faisal detailed the government’s plans to redefine social protection in the near future via the new National Social Protection Framework and divide it into social insurance schemes and social assistance programs. 

He also named some of the feats achieved by the administration in this regard such as the new registry portal, by the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) for people with disabilities which classified disabilities according to the World Health Organization (WHO)'s standards.

Maldives also had implemented universal cash transfers as well as allowances for therapeutic items and assistive technology for people with disabilities, the Vice President said.

He also noted that the administration had achieved significant progress in its ongoing efforts to ensure access to social protection for all. On this note, he emphasized that the implementation of allowances for single mothers, and the provision of subsidizing utilities for vulnerable individuals and those living below the poverty line – while pension plans have all positively affected the lives of thousands around the nation.

He asserted the need to work collectively to better the lives of the people and stated Maldives has always been an ardent supporter of the Action Plan to Strengthen Regional Cooperation on Social Protection. The Regional Action Plan provides a shared vision, strategy, and platform for more inclusive and extensive social protection systems.