Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 176

“Government will resolve major societal issues neglected by previous administrations.”

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has reaffirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to addressing significant societal issues that he said, were neglected by previous administrations, assuring the public that tangible results will be achieved.

Speaking at a programme aired on PSM News, Minister Ihusaan outlined the Homeland Security Ministry’s accomplishments over the past year, emphasising on the government’s focus to resolve critical societal challenges. He noted that the President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s initiative to bring all homeland security authorities under one roof is crucial for ensuring the organised and efficient implementation of plans.

During the interview, Minister Ihusaan highlighted the government’s efforts in combating persistent societal problems in the Maldives during its first year in office, including reducing gang violence, controlling drug abuse, and legalizing undocumented migrant workers . He praised the president’s decisive actions to close all avenues for drug importation via air or sea and emphasised the government’s focus on dismantling drug trafficking networks. Special attention has also been given to improving the rehabilitation system for those involved in criminal activities.

Additionally, Minister Ihusaan discussed expanding the scope of the Maldives Police Service (MPS) to tackle gang-related activities and cybercrimes. He stressed the importance of enhancing the MPS’s capacity, identifying necessary legislative reforms, and implementing amendments to strengthen the government’s approach. He assured that these efforts would bring significant, positive changes to residents’ lives.

SOURCE : PSM

Foreign Minister Dr Khaleel sends National Day greetings to the Foreign Minister of Monaco

Foreign Minister Dr Khaleel sends National Day greetings to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Monaco.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel sends a message of felicitations to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Principality of Monaco, Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, on the occasion of The Sovereign Prince’s Day.

In his message, the Minister extend warm greetings and well wishes to his counterpart and expressed hope that the ties of friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Monaco will continue to enhance in the years ahead.

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Government proposes bill to ban foreign troops’ deployment without parliamentary approval

The government has proposed a bill to the parliament aimed at restricting foreign troops from operating in the Maldives for any purpose other than participating in military exercises unless granted parliamentary approval. Parliamentarian Mohamed Shahid proposed the bill on behalf of the government.

The current legislation states that foreign troops cannot use any part of the Maldives for military purposes without parliamentary consent. The proposed amendment extends this restriction, banning foreign troops from engaging in any military activity in the Maldives—whether through agreements or otherwise—unless approved by a majority of parliament. The bill also prohibits the active deployment of foreign military troops in the country, except for military training, without parliamentary approval.

SOURCE : PSM

Heavy rains cause damage to homes on several islands

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reported significant damage to homes across several islands in the southern and central parts of the Maldives, including Bandidhoo (Dhaalu Atoll), Kurendhoo (Laamu Atoll), and Feydhoo (Seenu Atoll). The NDMA is actively coordinating efforts to assist the affected communities.

On Bandidhoo Island, the roof of a kitchen in one residence collapsed, damaging the kitchen structure and household equipment. Seven individuals living in the affected home have been relocated to temporary shelter while repairs are being undertaken. The NDMA also reported that the roof of another house on the island was blown off, and flooding along roads and fallen trees in various parts of Bandidhoo have been observed.

In Feydhoo, a house’s roof was torn off, and the ceiling subsequently collapsed due to heavy rainfall.

The ongoing rains have flooded approximately 70 homes on Kurendhoo. The NDMA is currently assessing the full extent of the damage in the area.

The National Disaster Management Authority has urged residents to take immediate preventive measures to avoid further incidents as the rainfall continues. The NDMA has recommended securing roofs to prevent collapse during strong winds, turning off electrical appliances when not in use, and advising seafarers to stay informed of the latest weather conditions. Additionally, the NDMA has reminded travellers to prioritise safety and ensure communication systems remain operational while on the move.

SOURCE : PSM

Fisheries Ministry to formulate 25-year masterplan for industry development

The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has begun efforts to formulate a 25-year master plan for the development of the fisheries industry.

The ministry announced that the strategic plan aims to ensure the systematic and organised development and diversification of the fisheries sector. The master plan will outline the industry’s vision and objectives over the next 25 years, focusing on optimising the use of marine resources and maximising economic benefits.

The ministry further revealed that the World Bank has supported funding for drafting and finalising the master plan.

In a related initiative, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to create a 20-year national development masterplan to ensure the country’s developmental efforts are aligned and efficiently executed. The government has already commenced work on this comprehensive strategic plan, which legal frameworks will govern.

SOURCE : PSM

Aasandha seeks to negotiate lower prices with private hospitals

Aminath Zeeniya, CEO of Aasandha, has expressed concerns over the high prices charged by major private hospitals, stating that efforts are underway to negotiate lower costs for services.

Speaking before the Parliament Committee on Social Affairs, Zeeniya explained that Aasandha is in discussions with prominent private hospitals in Maldives about providing affordable services to the people. She pointed out that the pricing at these hospitals is significantly higher, with costs applied to every service from the moment a patient enters the hospital. This, she noted, results in prices that are often higher than those for treatment abroad.

Zeeniya also highlighted that Aasandha has expanded its coverage, now including services such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and thalassemia treatment, which were previously not covered. The organisation is actively working on packaging these services in collaboration with hospitals to make them more accessible.

During the same session, Heena Waleedh, CEO of the National Social Protection Agency, discussed the historical challenges facing Aasandha. She noted that the system had been used for political purposes and that all previous governments had witnessed rising expenditures on Aasandha. However, she added, no government had adequately reformed the system.

Addressing the issue of outstanding payments, Heena mentioned that many Aasandha bills remain unpaid. However, she assured that the Ministry of Finance is working to clear these arrears as quickly as possible.

The Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs has called on Aasandha officials to address these concerns and ensure that the system better serves the needs of then public

SOURCE : PSM

MNU and University of Melbourne sign agreement for collaboration in research

The Maldives National University (MNU) and the University of Melbourne have formally agreed to collaborate on research initiatives. Vice Chancellor Dr Aishath Shehenaz represented MNU at the ceremony.

In her address at the ceremony, Dr Aishath Shehnaz highlighted that this collaboration with the University of Melbourne, a globally renowned institution, would significantly enhance MNU’s capacity to achieve its academic and research objectives. She also expressed hope for future partnerships with other Australian universities.

The agreement focuses on addressing global challenges, promoting sustainable development, and improving the quality of education and research. The partnership will facilitate joint research efforts, student exchange programs, and the development of innovative projects. Both universities anticipate the collaboration will provide valuable opportunities for students, faculty, and service providers.

SOURCE : PSM

NSPA raises concerns over pharmacies rejecting reduced medicine prices

Heena Waleedh, CEO of the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) and Chief Spokesperson for the President’s Office, has expressed concerns about some pharmacies refusing to implement the government’s recent changes to medicine pricing.

During a discussion with the Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs, Heena acknowledged that while most pharmacies have complied with the new price reductions, a few are still resisting the implementation of the updated price list. She mentioned that ten medicines have already been imported and distributed under the revised list, but some pharmacies continue to object to selling these medicines at lower prices. However, she reassured, that these medications will be available at all pharmacies of State Trading Organisation, through the Aasandha system.

Heena also pointed out the significant difference in drug prices between the Maldives and other regional countries, noting that rates in the Maldives are 15 times higher than in neighbouring nations. In some cases, pharmacies are marking up prices by as much as 300% to 400%, making medicine unaffordable for many people.

To address these concerns, the government has introduced a special list of essential medicines, including those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). This initiative is being implemented with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). So far, ten medicines have been successfully imported and circulated in Maldives as part of a phased effort to improve affordability and access to essential medications.

SOURCE : PSM