Over 23,000 Residents Use National Mental Health Helpline Since January Launch

More than 23,000 people have sought assistance through the government's dedicated mental health helpline since its inception, marking a significant step in the Maldives' approach to psychological wellbeing. Launched on January 21, 2024, the 1677 helpline was established to provide a direct point of contact for citizens struggling with mental health concerns. Speaking on the Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu programme “Ahaashey Bunaanan,” Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali emphasized that the service is designed to be a secure bridge between the public and the state, ensuring that all personal information remains strictly confidential. Minister Geela described the helpline as a vital tool for understanding the current landscape of mental health across the archipelago. While a formal comprehensive study has not yet been completed, the data gathered from these thousands of calls—combined with insights from frontline doctors and counselors—is providing the government with a clearer picture of the systemic challenges facing the healthcare sector. This real-time data is now serving as a foundation for upcoming policy decisions. Minister Geela noted that the information is instrumental in identifying the specific changes needed to improve the system and is currently supporting the development of more targeted interventions. To build on this momentum, the government is preparing a mixed-method survey to conduct deeper academic research into the state of mental health in the Maldives. The findings from this survey will be used to refine services and expand the availability of care. Looking forward, the Ministry is formulating specialized policies to address the shortage of mental health professionals. A primary goal of these initiatives is to develop the necessary human resources to ensure that mental health treatment is not concentrated in the capital, but extended effectively to the outer atolls, ensuring equitable access for all citizens regardless of their geographic location.