Maldives’ public spending on health was 3.8 per cent of GDP in 2011, equivalent to US$545 per capita. In the most recent survey, conducted between 1997 and 2010, there were 160 doctors, and 445 nurses and midwives per 100,000 people.
Additionally, in the period 2007-12, 95 per cent of births were attended by qualified health staff and in 2012, 98 per cent of oneyear olds were immunised with one dose of measles. In 2011, 99 per cent of people were using an improved drinking water source and 98 per cent had access to adequate sanitation facilities. The most recent survey, conducted in the period 2000-11, reports that Maldives has 82 pharmaceutical personnel per 100,000 people.
Maldives has two hospitals on the main island of Malé and six regional hospitals. There are 13 atoll hospitals, 87 health centres, 51 family health sections and 37 health posts. The Ministry of Health and Gender is the primary government ministry in charge of the sector, and has the remit of of meeting the challenge of providing equitable services to a population scattered over many islands. The reorganisation of the health system, with the introduction of atoll hospitals and placement of doctors at health centres, has enabled increased access to medical services for the island communities.
The logistical problems that had to be overcome in order to ensure effective provision of these services included infrequent transport links and high operational costs. Accordingly, providing health care services to the islands has almost doubled the cost of health services delivery. All pharmaceutical products in Maldives are imported, mostly by the private sector. Apart from a specific category of hospital drugs and controlled drugs, all drugs must be bought by patients at private pharmacists.
There is no mental health act or plan, and mental health is not mentioned in general health policy. There are 0.3 mental health outpatient facilities and no psychiatric hospitals or psychiatric beds in general hospitals (2011).
