Mental health services extended to atolls

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced the government's decision to station mental health care consultants in all atolls of the archipelago.

Speaking at a ceremony held on Monday to inaugurate a special centre for mental health at state-run IGMH, President Solih said the wait lists for consultation with psychiatrists and psychologists are very long, and the procurement of the necessary medication is a challenge. He also acknowledged the taboo in the society on speaking on mental health issues.

The President said the purpose of the newly established mental health center is to provide a well-rounded treatment system for those suffering from mental illnesses. He announced that inpatient, outpatient as well as outreach services will be provided by the center, for which mental health consultants will be stationed at every atoll of the country.