Research in treatment via poetry against Health Ministry regulations

Mihaaru News has learned that a research project submitted to the Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage examining the use of literature and poetry as a form of psychological treatment was conducted in violation of Ministry of Health regulations.

While responding to a journalist at a press briefing on Saturday, the Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim said that Deputy Minister Ibrahim Waheed (Ogaru Waheed) had done the research into the possibility of treatment via poetry.

As per the minister, research into providing psychological relief treatment via poetry is being done at Maldives National University (MNU) and some private companies.

Sources have told Mihaaru News that the research that was done by the Heritage Ministry is in violation of the Health Ministry's guidelines.

The "Health Research Regulation" that was established in 2019 under the Health Services Act states all scholarly research pertaining to health in Maldives can only be done after acquiring permission from the Health Research Council which was established under the act.

Requests for permission can only be made via a specific form as well.

However, sources have told Mihaaru News that the research into using literature and poetry as a medium to treat those with psychologically issues was done without permission.

There has been no official statement from the Health Ministry as of yet.

As per Minister Adam Naseer, while research into providing psychological relief treatment via poetry is being done at Maldives National University (MNU) and some private companies, the only research that has been completed is the "major research" done by the Deputy Minister. The ministry has not publicized any details regarding the research done in Maldives.

Beginning the research into this treatment option and whether it is feasible was announced by the minister on World Poetry Day last year at the celebration held at GDh. Thinadhoo.