Health sector to be digitalized first, no room to hide health records: President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the healthcare sector will be the first area to be fully digitalized under the government’s Maldives 2.0 initiative.

In an interview with state media PSM, President Muizzu said the move would transform the country’s health system, ensure greater transparency, and prevent concealment of medical records.

He noted that with digitalization, no one will be able to hide information as all data will be streamlined and accessible.

According to President Muizzu, the current system where hospitals and private clinics use separate portals will be replaced with a unified national platform.

A key feature of this transformation is the introduction of a digital ID card for every Maldivian citizen. The card will carry individual health data, which can be accessed by caregivers and health professionals across the country. This will allow doctors to view patients’ medical histories instantly, improving the accuracy and continuity of care.

He also said that a law will be established to govern this digital system and ensure nationwide application. Every citizen’s data will be integrated into this system, bringing transparency and accountability to the healthcare sector.

President Muizzu said that this change would be a significant step forward in building a modern and reliable healthcare system for all Maldivians.

In his remarks, President Muizzu expressed concern over the tendency of government-trained doctors to prioritize working in private clinics instead of attending to patients at public hospitals.

He said this trend needs to change and emphasized that the number of patients seen by doctors under the Male’ Group of Hospitals should increase. The government is considering policy changes to address the issue and ensure that public hospital services are fully utilized.

To enhance healthcare access, the government has also expanded services at IGMH, including the launch of night OPD clinics in high-demand specialties such as dental care, endocrinology, dietetics, neurology, and neck-related services. These extended hours aim to reduce long queues and improve specialist access for patients.

Furthermore, President Muizzu highlighted the government's significant investment in the health sector, with over MVR 4 billion worth of projects currently underway across the country. He also announced the creation of 1,200 new jobs in the health sector as part of these development efforts.

As part of broader healthcare benefits, Aasandha allowance for prescription glasses will be increased from MVR 1,000 to MVR 2,000 every two years.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to doing more to uplift and modernize the health sector in the days to come.