Minister: Former administration left health ministry MVR 300m in debt

President Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration left the Health Ministry with MVR 300 million in debt, says Health Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel.

Khaleel, who is accompanying President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in his current visit to Addu City, made the comment on Sunday night, while addressing a gathering for residents of Feydhoo and Hithadhoo.

Speaking at the gathering, Khaleel said that President Muizzu has proven that he prioritizes the people of Maldives above all.

He said that the President was facing both domestic and external challenges due to this policy, including efforts by the opposition to overthrow his administration and the various misleading claims about the economic situation.

“In response to all this, I find it imperative to share certain truths with the people. Because this also involves this sector,” he said.

Khaleel said that after he was appointed as the health minister, he collected certain information regarding the Health Ministry, and discovered it is MVR 300 million in debt.

“I am not talking about Aasandha or NSPA. They are under a different ministry. I am not talking about those two institutions. The institutions run under the Health Ministry have racked up MVR 300 million in debt,” he said.

“I have not seen any other administration run a government so hopelessly.”

Khaleel also accused the MDP administration of corruption in the award of government contracts.

“These weren’t things that happened in recent Maldivian history. Based on records from the Finance Ministry, there have not been any other incidents in recent Maldivian history where projects have been stalled after withdrawing such huge funds,” he said.

Both President Muizzu and Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed have also said that the government ministries have millions in outstanding payments.