The influx of tourism to Maldives has led to rapid development and urbanization resulting in the erosion of some important traditional institutions, such as the extended family that provided long-term care (LTC) for the elderly, sick and disabled persons. Total fertility rate for the country declined from 6.4 children per woman in 1995 to 1.9 births per woman in 2021. With declining fertility rates, the country is already experiencing population aging, with a smaller proportion of individuals in the younger segment of the population to care for the elderly. Currently there is only one state-run facility for long-term care for the elderly as well as mental patients and once institutionalized, they lose total contact with their families.

 

Maldivian society has remained very consistent, with one language, one culture and one religion that held strong family bonds. Therefore, it is important that long-term care is planned consistent with its cultural values and unique geographical characteristics. The families should be encouraged and supported to continue with the main responsibility in the care of their loved ones with necessary support from the community and the government. The government should only intercede in the event of a serious superimposed illness or in extremely dire circumstances. Most important will be the role of the Government in facilitating and creating the infrastructure necessary for families, communities and non-governmental sectors to increase their role in LTC and develop human resource capacity that is needed by professionals and specialized health care providers to undertake LTC at all desired levels.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in nursing and Midwifery, master’s degree in Community Health Nursing from Madras University, India, and PhD in Health Science from La Trobe University Australia.

Career experience

– Staff Nurse at Government Hospital,

– Director of Allied Health Services Training Centre,

– Director of Health Services,

– Director Infrastructure Development

– Director Human Resource Development, Ministry of Health Maldives.

– Lecturer, College of Higher Education, Maldives

– Lecturer, University Malaya, Malaysia

– Minister of Health and Family, Maldives

– Chairperson of Male City Women’s Development Committee

– Member at several national committees and boards

– Pioneered Diploma Nursing program, first Diploma level education in the country

– Member of the Advisory Council of SAARC for development of MPH/MHA program

– Pioneered the first program for ageing in the country,

– Bureau Member of the South Asians for Human Rights

– CEO Agedcare Maldives

 

Recipient of

The United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Award

Princess Srinagarindra Award, The Royal Patronage, Thailand

Women in Management Maldives “Inspirational Woman of the year 2022”