JP’s leader Qasim discharged after six-day hospital stay

Qasim Ibrahim, the leader of Jumhoory Party (JP) and longtime parliamentary representative for Maamigili constituency, was discharged from the Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) on Sunday, after nearly a week at the hospital.

The 74-year-old politician was rushed to the IGMH in Male’ City on September 23, after he suffered health complications while at Sun Island Resort, where he had been usually residing in as of late.

A close aide to Qasim told Sun that he was discharged from the hospital on Sunday.

His condition is improving, added the source.

The family does not which to publicize detail’s regarding Qasim’s health condition.

Outside of politics, Qasim is widely recognized as one of Maldives’ most successful businessmen. He ventured into the world in 1976 as a young man of 26, by mortgaging personal property and securing a loan of MVR 15,000.

He is now the head of Villa Group, a business conglomerate that is involved in tourism, aviation, education, fuel trade, groceries and more.

Qasim is also known for his philanthropy, having sponsored the education and medical care of thousands of people over the years.

He has held a number of high-level roles, including as the Speaker of Parliament, as Minister of Finance, and as Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority.

Qasim has been celebrated for his various contributions with multiple awards and accolades, including with the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin in July, and the Order of the Dignified Rule of Muleege Dynasty in 2013.

He also received the General Service Incentive Award in 1988 for contributions to national business development, the same award again in 1995 for services to tourism, and the National Award of Honor in 2007 for his philanthropy.