Health Ministry Expands Primary Healthcare Programme to Kaafu and Vaavu Atolls

The Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare has officially launched the Primary Health Care (PHC) programme in Kaafu and Vaavu Atolls, marking a significant step in the government's nationwide effort to decentralize medical services. Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali inaugurated the initiative during a special ceremony held in Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll. The programme is designed to shift the national healthcare focus from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, specifically targeting the reduction of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) through early detection and community-based care. Under the new framework, comprehensive medical records and patient histories will be established for all citizens aged 18 and above. These records will allow healthcare providers to monitor general health conditions and track past treatments more effectively. To ensure accessibility, healthcare workers will conduct home visits, providing direct health information and guidance to patients within their own communities. This shift toward a primary healthcare system is based on global health standards and successful models from other countries. By emphasizing healthy lifestyles and early intervention, the Ministry aims to provide more equitable healthcare services across the archipelago, ensuring that quality care is not limited to urban centers. With the rollout now active across 13 atolls, the government has set a clear target to expand the PHC programme to every atoll in the Maldives by 2026. The launch in Kaafu Atoll also saw the introduction of a dedicated communication campaign for the “Primary Health Care Revitalisation Programme,” intended to raise public awareness about the benefits of preventive medicine. By integrating community outreach with systematic health monitoring, the Ministry intends to lower the long-term burden of chronic illnesses on the national health system and improve the overall quality of life for residents in the remote islands.