News Desk
President Dr Mohammed Muizzu has announced that a dedicated mental health hospital will be built in the Malé area using state funds, a decision he described as a necessary shift to strengthen national mental health services.
Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office today, he said the project had been delayed due to the lack of a loan facility for the planned hospital in Laamu Gan. He noted that the demand for mental health support is rising across the country and that the government could not allow further delays.
The administration has now decided to move ahead with the project under this year’s budget allocation as a new policy initiative. The hospital will be constructed on the land already designated for the project.
The President said the government will also submit a Mental Health Bill to Parliament this year to establish a stronger legal framework. He described the bill as an important step to improve national attention to mental illness and ensure the rights of those seeking treatment.
This year, the government introduced free treatment for all mental health conditions through Aasandha. As of 24 April, 10,954 people have received mental health services under the scheme, including 8,125 patients treated in the Malé area.
Recent weeks have seen heightened public attention on mental health following several incidents reported across the country. Health officials have said the rise in cases reflects both increased awareness and the lack of specialised facilities. The President said the new hospital and the upcoming legislation are intended to address these gaps and provide a more reliable system of care.
He also commented on the release of information related to a recent case and explained the actions taken by the Home Minister. The President said the government is working to ensure that information is shared responsibly and in a manner that protects the dignity of individuals. He urged the public to show restraint and avoid spreading unverified details, noting that sensitive cases require careful handling.
President Muizzu said work on the new hospital will begin very soon and expressed confidence that the facility will bring significant relief to individuals and families seeking mental health care.
