Minister: Cancer treatment tops Aasandha-funded overseas medical trips

Health Minister Geela Ali, on Wednesday, stated that cancer treatment continues to account for the largest share of overseas medical referrals under the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha.

Responding to questions during Wednesday's parliamentary sitting, Minister Geela said that around 2,000 patients were referred overseas for cancer-related treatment last year. She noted that data from the past three years shows the highest number of overseas referrals has consistently been for cancer treatment and specialized diagnostic procedures that are not yet available in the Maldives.

"In 2023, 1,638 individuals were referred abroad for cancer treatment. This figure rose to 1,996 in 2024, and has exceeded 2,000 in 2025," the Minister noted.

She explained that the figures include newly diagnosed patients, individuals requiring follow-up treatment due to the long-term nature of the disease, and Maldivian patients residing in neighboring countries.

The Minister also noted that although many patients continue to travel abroad for specialized care, most chemotherapy services are now provided within the country. Only 39 patients sought chemotherapy treatment overseas last year. At present, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and Hulhumalé Hospital together operate nine chemotherapy beds. Minister Geela added that Hulhumalé Hospital alone provided chemotherapy treatment to 755 patients last year.

Emphasizing the importance of early detection in improving survival rates, the Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding cancer screening services. She said screening programmes have now been extended beyond the Greater Malé region to several atolls.

Mammography services for breast cancer—the most common cancer affecting women—are now available at five regional hospitals, as well as Fuvahmulah Hospital and B. Atoll Hospital, in addition to facilities in the Greater Malé area. More than 750 women have accessed these services locally to date. The government has also decided to introduce cervical cancer screening programmes across all atolls.

Minister Geela had previously stated that a new multi-specialty hospital is expected to be completed by 2028, providing comprehensive cancer care services. She also revealed that 53 men and 67 women were newly diagnosed with cancer last year.

The government is also continuing work on a 25-bed multi-specialty hospital in Hulhumalé Phase II, which will provide oncology and reproductive health services.

Cancer remains a major public health concern in the Maldives, with cases linked to both lifestyle-related and hereditary risk factors. According to 2020 estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is responsible for approximately 17 percent of all deaths recorded annually in the country.

Plans to establish a dedicated cancer hospital were first initiated during the previous administration, with the proposed facility originally set to be developed in L. Gan with assistance from India.