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Sunday 01 Nov 2026
LOCAL EDITION
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LOCAL EDITION
First Lady Sajidha Mohamed approaches podium to speak at the opening ceremony of the 16th International Conference of the SAARC Psychiatric Federation, November 1, 2026. (Photo/President's Office)
In an island nation like the Maldives, access to mental-health care must be easy and equitable, and no one should be deprived of psychological support because of where they live, said First Lady Sajidha Mohamed.
She made the remarks at the inaugural ceremony of the 16th International Conference of the SAARC Psychiatric Federation.
The First Lady said the Maldives believes that expanding mental-health services is a crucial step toward building a healthy society in every respect. She noted that mental health has been included as an important part of the national health agenda, emphasising that meaningful progress is achieved only when services genuinely help people in need and support them in rebuilding their lives.
Sajidha highlighted the National Mental Health Helpline as a key step taken by the Maldives, while stressing that facilities alone are not enough. She said the National Mental Health Department is implementing the National Mental Health Strategic Action Plan 2025 - 2029, which focuses on early intervention, reducing stigma, and integrating mental health into primary healthcare.
She reiterated that in a geographically dispersed country, equal access to such services is essential. No one should be denied the psychological assistance they need because of where they live, she said, adding that no individual should feel left out when facing a mental-health challenge.
The First Lady noted that South Asian countries share similar challenges in addressing mental-health issues, and said the Psychiatric Federation enables experts to work together to find solutions. She expressed hope that discussions and research at the 16th Conference would further advance the field.
The government launched a youth mental-health helpline on September 20 as part of its efforts to build a mentally healthy society. Health Minister Geela Ali said the helpline, established in 2024, had received a total of 23,679 calls as of the 30th of that month.
