64 Patients Return Home as Special Needs Centre Shifts Toward Treatment Model

The Maldivian government is transitioning the Special Needs Centre from a long-term residential facility into a specialized treatment hub, a move that has already seen 64 residents return to the care of their families. Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali announced that between November 2023 and August 10, 2024, dozens of individuals were successfully reintegrated into their homes. This shift marks a departure from the center's previous role as a place where families often left relatives in need of special care or abandoned them entirely. To facilitate this transformation, the government transferred the center’s management to the National Mental Health Department on October 1, 2024. The restructuring aims to replace permanent institutionalization with a robust treatment system designed to stabilize patients and facilitate their return to a supportive home environment. Currently, 201 individuals reside at the facility. Parallel to the center's reform, the Ministry is expanding community-based mental health support. A dedicated helpline has become a critical resource, providing psychological first aid, crisis intervention, and emotional support. According to Minister Geela, the service has already handled over 23,000 calls, offering a vital lifeline for those facing psychological challenges. To ensure these services are accessible to all citizens, the government has integrated mental health treatment into Aasandha, the national health insurance scheme. This move removes financial barriers to care and encourages early intervention. Beyond clinical services, the Ministry is launching public awareness campaigns to dismantle the societal stigma surrounding mental health. By changing public attitudes and strengthening the medical infrastructure, the government aims to create a system where recovery and family reintegration are the primary goals of care.