Geela: Over 70,000 people seek mental health care in three years, most cases from Male’ area

Health Minister Geela Ali, on Tuesday, said more than 70,000 individuals have sought professional psychiatric care over the past three years, with the majority of patients from Male’ area.

Responding to a question from North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo) during Tuesday’s parliamentary sitting, Minister Geela stated that between 2023 and the end of 2025, over 70,000 people had consulted psychiatrists. Of these, more than 45,000 patients were from Male’ area.

She stressed that these figures highlight the pressing need for a dedicated mental health facility within Male’ area.

"I must highlight that due to the absence of a specialized hospital for mental healthcare within our healthcare system and the historically low priority given to this field by successive administrations, adequate treatment has not been effectively provided," the Minister remarked.

She further observed that social stigma continues to present a significant obstacle, often discouraging individuals from seeking timely mental health support.

According to figures previously disclosed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on April 27, a total of 10,954 individuals had accessed mental health services through expanded Aasandha coverage as of April 24, following the inclusion of additional psychiatric treatments earlier this year.

During Tuesday’s parliamentary session, Minister Geela also confirmed that a 10,000-square-foot plot of land has been allocated in Hulhumalé for the construction of a government-funded mental health hospital.

While the President had earlier announced that the project would proceed using domestic financing due to challenges in securing foreign loans, the exact location of the facility had not been formally disclosed until today.