First Lady calls for investment in trained professionals to strengthen neonatal care

Infant healthcare services must be people-based and supported by modern facilities, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed said on Monday.

Neonatal services provide specialised medical care for premature babies, underweight babies and newborns with serious health complications at birth.

Speaking at the NeoCare Conference, Sajidha said neonatal care faced major challenges when it was first introduced in Maldives, but noted that significant progress has now been achieved.

She said every child born anywhere in the country should have access to the necessary health services and protection. She added that such care can only be delivered with adequate facilities and trained healthcare workers.

Sajidha stressed the importance of investing in specialised facilities, equipment, medical technologies and professional training.

Minister @geelaali joined First Lady @sajidhaamohamed, Chief Guest, at the opening of the Neonatal Conference 2026, organised by @igmhmv with support from @WHOMaldives.

The conference focuses on strengthening neonatal care and improving outcomes for newborns in Maldives.… pic.twitter.com/UOpYzHTH2B

— Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare (@MoHmv) September 21, 2026

“Technology alone cannot save a life. A machine can monitor a heartbeat, but we need trained people to understand what that heartbeat is telling us,” she said.

Health Minister Geela Ali, speaking at the ceremony, said the conference will strengthen cooperation between hospitals and help build NeoCare-aware professionals across the country with guidance from relevant experts. She said such conferences equip healthcare workers with the knowledge needed to respond effectively during emergencies.

Minister Geela also highlighted the importance of developing the neonatal care system with a long-term perspective. She noted that while children are discharged after treatment, the responsibility of healthcare workers does not end there.

The ceremony was also attended by MCGH CEO Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem.

The first neonatal conference in Maldives was held last year. This year’s three-day conference is being organised by Hulhumale' Hospital, with doctors and nurses from NICUs of 19 hospitals participating.