Affordable Eyewear Services Introduced in Public Hospitals Under Health Reform Drive

In a significant move aimed at enhancing public healthcare services, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced the introduction of professional eyewear services at government hospitals across the Maldives. This initiative is part of a wider strategy to reform the nation’s health sector and improve access to affordable medical care for all citizens.

Eyewear Services Begin at IGMH and Expand Nationwide

The rollout will begin at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and other government-run hospitals, offering patients access to high-quality, affordable glasses. Under this new initiative, the government has increased the Aasandha allowance for eyewear to MVR 2,000—doubling the previous support and making vision care more accessible to the general public.

This development comes in response to public demand and a thorough assessment of service readiness, according to President Muizzu in an interview with Public Service Media (PSM). The initiative aims to reduce the reliance on private clinics, many of which have been criticized for charging excessive prices for essential services.

President Muizzu linked the initiative to his broader vision of public welfare and sustainable healthcare reform. He emphasized that profit should not drive essential healthcare services and criticized existing practices that prioritize revenue over the needs of ordinary citizens.

“Our goal is to build a health system where people do not feel compelled to seek treatment abroad due to high local costs or inadequate services,” the President stated. “Introducing eyewear services in public hospitals is just one part of that larger vision.”

Major Investments Underway in Healthcare Infrastructure

As part of this reform agenda, the government currently has healthcare projects worth over MVR 400 million underway across the country. These projects are focused on upgrading hospital infrastructure, increasing staffing levels, and expanding the range of medical services available to the public.

Special emphasis is being placed on enhancing facilities in the Malé region, which sees the highest demand for medical services. By strengthening local capabilities, the government aims to significantly reduce the need for outbound medical travel.

Digital Transformation of the Health Sector

Looking to the future, President Muizzu announced that the health sector will be the first to undergo a comprehensive digital transformation under his administration’s broader digitalization policy. This shift is expected to improve efficiency, data management, and the delivery of services across the board.

The President also underscored the importance of preventive healthcare, stating that long-term improvements in national health will come from not only treating illness but also from proactive steps to prevent it.