Health Minister Urges Continuous Training to Strengthen Maldivian Neonatal Care Systems

Health Minister Geela Ali has emphasized that neonatal care is a critical determinant of a child's lifelong health, asserting that the window of care immediately following birth extends far beyond simple survival. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the second NeoCare Conference, Minister Geela highlighted the necessity of a robust, evolving healthcare framework to support newborns across the archipelago. The Minister acknowledged that the Maldives' unique geography creates significant hurdles for healthcare delivery. She noted that while tertiary hospitals provide essential support, atoll and regional hospitals have yet to fully establish comprehensive neonatal services. To bridge this gap, she called for strengthened connections between facilities and a commitment to clinical mentorship. "This is not an area where we can provide training once and leave it at that," Minister Geela stated, stressing that the field requires continuous professional development. She argued that as medical equipment evolves and treatment methods change, human resource development must be a priority in long-term national planning to ensure healthcare workers remain proficient. Beyond the walls of the intensive care unit, the Minister urged professionals to prioritize follow-up care. She noted that providing families with comprehensive information and guidance after a newborn is discharged is one of the most vital responsibilities of a healthcare provider in protecting a child's future health. The conference, organized by Hulhumalé Hospital, brings together doctors and nurses from 19 hospitals. The event was inaugurated by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, who also launched the first NeoCare and NICU News Bulletin. This initiative marks the expansion of the program, which began last year as a conference for neonatal nurses and has now evolved into a multidisciplinary platform. Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem, CEO of Malé City Group of Hospitals, added that newborn safety depends on the standard of care across the entire hospital, not just within the NICU. Supporting these sentiments, the World Health Organization Representative to the Maldives, Payden, praised the country's significant progress in maternal and newborn health on both regional and international levels.