Minister says Maldives’ health future depends on educators, not infrastructure

The future of the health system does not depend only on the hospitals that are built or the technology that is acquired, but fundamentally on the educators and the knowledge that is produced, Health Minister Geela Ali said.

Speaking at the Boutique International Conference on Medical Education (ICME 2026), Minister Geela Ali said Maldives’ health sector has come a long way. The foundation for developing the health workforce was first laid in 1973, with the introduction of formal training for community health workers.

She noted that over the past decade, nursing and medical education have seen significant growth in the Maldives. The establishment and expansion of the School of Medicine at the Maldives National University (MNU) marks an important milestone for the sector, she said.

The minister also highlighted MNU’s pioneering role in building partnerships with healthcare institutions and international universities.

“Medical education is not simply about producing more doctors. It is about developing competent, ethical, compassionate, and adaptable health professionals who understand the needs of our people and our communities,” Minister Geela Ali said.

As the Maldives prepares for the future, she said it is important to ask whether the country is educating health professionals for the healthcare system of yesterday or tomorrow. She stressed that a strong health system is not built only around treating illnesses, prevention must be at the heart of healthcare services.