News Desk
A fertility centre newly opened at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital is emerging as a key institution in the Maldives’ efforts to address a steadily declining fertility rate, according to senior clinicians overseeing the program.
The centre, opened on Nov. 15, 2024, under a health care expansion initiative championed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, has already recorded two births — the first on Jan. 7 and the second four days later. In its first months, 578 patients sought care, and clinicians confirmed 23 pregnancies.
At a ceremony held at Dharumavantha Hospital, Dr. Asil Jaleel, clinical director of gynaecology and a senior consultant, described the country’s fertility challenges as intertwined with broader environmental and lifestyle pressures. “Fertility is not only a health issue but also an environmental and lifestyle issue,” he said, noting that national fertility indicators have been trending downward in recent years.
The ceremony was graced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, who attended to mark key milestones achieved by the National Fertility Center.
Citing data from two years earlier, Dr. Jaleel said the Maldives’ fertility rate stood at 1.759 — well below replacement level.
He emphasized that the centre’s mission extends well beyond the capital. The facility is preparing to collaborate with regional hospitals to identify patients in need of treatment and to bring specialized services closer to island communities that often lack access to reproductive care.
“The National Fertility Centre is now planning to work with various regional hospitals,” he said. “The aim is to identify and assist those in need of treatment and provide services closer to their areas of residence, as well as expand the service across the country.”
He added that the expansion could reduce the need for Maldivians to travel abroad for fertility treatment — a costly and emotionally taxing option for many families.
