Maldives to Fully Digitalize Health Sector with Unified Medical Records and Smart ID Cards

The healthcare system in the Maldives is set for a sweeping transformation as President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced that the sector will be the first to undergo full digitalization under the government’s ambitious “Maldives 2.0” initiative.

In a recent interview with state broadcaster PSM, President Muizzu described the initiative as a game-changer for healthcare delivery in the country. At the heart of the plan is the drive to ensure complete transparency, eliminate the possibility of concealing medical records, and streamline access to patient information for both public and private healthcare providers.

One Unified Digital Health Platform

Currently, Maldivian healthcare is fragmented, with hospitals and private clinics operating on separate digital systems. This disconnection has often led to inefficiencies in patient care. President Muizzu announced that a new, unified national health portal will replace the existing systems, connecting all health facilities under one secure platform.

A core feature of this transition will be the introduction of a digital ID card for every Maldivian citizen. This smart ID will store personal health information and allow authorized caregivers and medical professionals to instantly access a patient’s medical history—no matter where they are in the country.

“Once the system is in place, no one will be able to hide medical records or alter key health data,” the President said, emphasizing the move's importance in fostering accountability and better treatment outcomes.

A Legal Framework for Digital Health

To ensure the success and sustainability of the digital health transformation, President Muizzu confirmed that a comprehensive legal framework will be introduced. This law will mandate the integration of all citizens’ medical data into the centralized system and guide the responsible use of such sensitive information.

The initiative represents a crucial step toward building a more reliable, transparent, and modern healthcare infrastructure that serves all Maldivians equally, regardless of location or income level.

Addressing Challenges Within the Health Workforce

While speaking about the future of healthcare, President Muizzu also touched on a pressing concern: the imbalance in medical staffing. He criticized the growing trend of government-trained doctors favoring private practice over fulfilling their duties in public hospitals.

He noted that doctors under the Male’ Group of Hospitals should be seeing more patients, and policy changes are being considered to ensure public healthcare services are prioritized and optimized. “Public hospitals must serve the people, and the system must reflect that commitment,” he said.

Expanded Access and Investment in Health Services

To further improve access to medical care, the government has introduced night OPD services at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) across high-demand specialties. These include:

  • Dentistry

  • Endocrinology

  • Dietetics

  • Neurology

  • Neck and throat care

The introduction of evening hours is designed to reduce long queues and waiting times while offering patients more flexibility to consult with specialists.

In addition, over MVR 4 billion worth of health development projects are currently underway across the Maldives. These include infrastructure upgrades, new hospital facilities, and expanded service delivery across atolls. The projects are expected to create 1,200 new healthcare jobs, reinforcing the government's commitment to both patient care and employment growth.

As part of efforts to improve quality of life, the President announced an increase in the Aasandha allowance for prescription glasses, doubling it from MVR 1,000 to MVR 2,000 every two years.

This increase, though seemingly modest, is expected to benefit thousands of Maldivians who rely on state support for essential eye care.