President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to health sector reform by introducing eyewear services through Male' City Group of Hospitals.

The service will provide access to affordable, high-quality glasses, with the Aasandha allowance for eyewear increased to MVR 2,000.

In an interview with Public Service Media (PSM), President Muizzu said the initiative was launched in response to public demand and after evaluating the necessary arrangements.

The service will begin at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and other government hospitals. The goal is to reduce dependency on private providers that may charge exploitative prices.

President Muizzu linked the initiative to his broader commitment to public welfare and healthcare reform. He criticized profit-driven practices in essential services and highlighted his administration’s previous efforts, such as discouraging cigarette sales, as part of a wider health agenda.

He also noted that over MVR 400 million worth of healthcare projects are underway across Maldives and these projects aim to upgrade healthcare infrastructure, strengthen human resources in the sector and expand the range of available medical services.

Special focus is being placed on improving hospitals in Male' region to reduce the need for citizens to seek treatment abroad.

Looking ahead, the President announced that the health sector will be the first to undergo a full digital transformation under the government’s digitalization policy and highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare and long-term system development.