President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced on Monday that the administration is undertaking the necessary steps to introduce a comprehensive national fertility care programme. He made the announcement while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Tree Top Hospital (TTH) Fertility Centre.
First Lady Fazna Ahmed and Vice President Faisal Naseem joined the President at the ceremony. Speaking at the ceremony, President Solih underscored the significance of the newly established fertility clinic at TTH, highlighting its status as a novel service in the Maldives.
The President emphasised the crucial role of such fertility services in the country, specifically noting the achievement of providing accessible treatment options to individuals who can now stay close to their families without needing overseas travel or jeopardising their employment. He then reassured the TTH management of the administration's unwavering support for further enhancing and expanding this service.
President Solih provided additional insights into the administration's endeavours to establish a comprehensive fertility care programme across the country. He added that the relevant authorities are engaged in an in-depth study of best practices and procedures implemented in other countries. The President emphasised the importance of crafting a programme that effectively caters to the needs of those who require such assistance the most.
The President further stated that the administration is actively engaged in identifying individuals who meet the criteria for participation in the programme. Extensive efforts are also underway to widely disseminate fertility health information to raise awareness. The President also highlighted the economic advantages of providing such services in the Maldives, as it enables significant cost savings for individuals who would otherwise have to seek treatment abroad and positively impacts the overall economy.
After the inauguration, the President and First Lady toured the facility. The TTH Fertility Centre aims to provide accessible infertility treatments for Maldivians, marking a significant milestone as the first-of-its-kind fertility centre in the country.