Minister: Specialized medical care shouldn’t be accessible from Male’ alone

Specialized medical care services should not be available from Male’ alone, says Health Minister Geela Ali, stressing the need to expand access to health care.

Addressing the opening of the Neonatal Conference 2026 on Monday, Geela said that each and every child has the right to quality healthcare, regardless of where they are born.

She stressed that neonatal care not only saves lives, but affects the health, growth and quality life of children for years to come.

Geela said that strengthening neonatal care does not mean enhancing clinical services alone, but is an investment in a healthy future generation.

“This is a field that requires continuous training. The professionals in this field need to be well-versed in professional development, clinical mentorship and other services. This is highly responsible work,” she said.

Geela said that care for premature babies and patients suffering from serious illnesses doesn’t end when they are discharged after hospital treatment.

There needs to be follow-up systems so their health can be closely monitored and they can be provided timely treatment, she said.

Geela said that health facilities need to strengthen referral and follow-up systems for premature babies based on “the level” of these facilities.

Concluding her speech, Geela expressed hopes the Neonatal Conference strengthen cooperation and coordination between hospitals, and help raise national awareness on neonatal care.

The Maldives held its first Neonatal Conference last year. This year’s conference is being attended by doctors and nurses working in neonatal intensive care units in 19 different hospitals.