On Friday, Vice President Faisal Naseem called for collective societal effort to improve the Maldivian primary healthcare system. He made these remarks at the ceremony held at Nilandhoo, North Nilandhe Atoll, to mark the 27th anniversary of the Faafu Atoll Hospital and to start the process of reviving and strengthening primary healthcare in Faafu Atoll.
In his remarks, The Vice President stated that the Maldives' primary healthcare system had performed admirably throughout the 1980s and 1990s, but has been neglected since then, making its reinvigoration essential.
He emphasised the importance of preventative action, stating that the availability of medical facilities does not imply that preventive healthcare is to be disregarded. Noting that communicable diseases are on the rise in the nation, The Vice President advised citizens to collectively prioritise physical activity and exercise. He also requested media outlets and the community to work together in promoting primary healthcare and raising awareness.
The Vice President further remarked that the country's healthcare system has undergone remarkable improvements during the past four years. He added that the infrastructure for health services in the atolls have improved, as have the salaries of health professionals and the development of human resources.
During the ceremony, The Vice President also launched the "Primary Health Care Registry". A new "care pathway" has already been developed to implement the delivery of services as part of primary healthcare renewal and strengthening efforts. Services in line with this "care pathway" will begin at health facilities in F. Atoll starting May 6, 2023.
The primary healthcare system is a system that, in addition to treatment, provides information to prevent diseases and encourage a healthy lifestyle. The system also conducts tests to assess one's health status and arranges treatments and other services that are best suited to the individual or the community.
