Maldives National University to Launch Five Local Medical Specialisation Programmes

The Maldives National University (MNU) is preparing to introduce medical specialisation programmes in five distinct fields, marking a significant step toward expanding advanced medical training within the country. Dr. Sheeza Ali, Dean of the School of Medicine, revealed that the university is currently working to overcome capacity limitations and finalize regulatory requirements to launch these courses. The initiative aims to provide Maldivian doctors with the opportunity to specialise locally, reducing the need to seek advanced training abroad. According to Dr. Ali, the primary hurdles involve student capacity and the submission of necessary documentation to the Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) and the Maldives Medical Council. Once these administrative and infrastructural requirements are met, the university expects to commence the programmes successfully. To ensure international standards, MNU has adopted the curriculum of the National University of Malaysia. Dr. Ali emphasized that academic quality is strictly monitored, with teaching methods reviewed every two years and external examiners from abroad brought in to assess final examinations. This expansion comes as the School of Medicine celebrates the graduation of its fourth batch of students. Since the MBBS programme began in 2019, 105 students have completed their studies, with the inaugural cohort already finishing their internships and entering the national healthcare workforce. The five-year MBBS programme, established following the creation of the School of Medicine in 2018, serves as the foundation for these upcoming specialisations. By establishing local pathways for expertise, MNU aims to strengthen the domestic healthcare system and ensure a sustainable pipeline of specialist physicians for the Maldives.