Minister Rameela diagnosed with cancer; travels overseas for chemo

Dr. Aishath Rameela, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, announced on Wednesday that she had been diagnosed with advanced cancer.

She made the announcement in a post on Facebook on Wednesday morning.

Rameela said that she was travelling overseas for treatment.

While she did not specify the type of cancer she was diagnosed for, she said that she will be doing HIPEC, or hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy – which treats certain cancers in the abdomen.

She asked for well wishes and prayers.

Ibrahim Khaleel, the Strategic Communications Minister at the President’s Office, told Sun that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu wishes her a swift recovery.

He said the government was keeping a close eye on Rameela’s condition, and that the entire government was rooting for her.

“The president hopes she makes a quick recovery and returns to service,” he said.

Khalee said arrangements will be made to ensure the smooth running of the Agriculture Ministry until Rameela returns.

The diagnosis comes less than two weeks after the new Maldivian administration took office.

A PhD holder, Rameela previously served as a state minister for health, and as a state minister for gender, as well as the registrar at Maldives Medical and Dental Council.