Maldives Overhauls Disability Act to Strengthen Healthcare and Employment Rights

The Ministry of Health, Family, and Welfare has launched a comprehensive review to substantially amend the Disability Act, replacing a legislative framework that has remained largely unchanged since 2010. Speaking on PSM News’ Raajje Miadhu program, State Minister for Health, Family and Welfare Ahmed Athif stated that the revisions are intended to transform the existing legislation into a "brand-new law." According to the Minister, the current act—drafted between 2008 and 2009—no longer reflects modern societal conditions, public awareness, or the evolving challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the Maldives. A primary objective of the overhaul is to replace vague language with concrete mandates. While the original act addressed education and healthcare in general terms, the new legislation will clearly define the specific responsibilities of individual sectors and institutions. The revised law will prioritize empowerment models, providing clear provisions to enhance employment opportunities and ensure financial independence for persons with disabilities. Another critical addition to the upcoming law is the establishment of an early-detection system for disabilities in infancy. Minister Athif emphasized that this missing component is vital for shaping service delivery and facilitating timely interventions, which can significantly mitigate future risks and improve long-term quality of life for children. To ensure the law is grounded in reality, the Ministry is conducting the review process through extensive consultations. The government is engaging directly with persons with disabilities, field experts, and non-governmental organizations to ensure the final legislation reflects lived experiences and professional insight. This legislative shift marks a transition from a basic protection model to a rights-based approach, aiming to integrate persons with disabilities more fully into the socioeconomic fabric of the Maldives.