Government to Add 2,000 Healthcare Workers to Address Staffing Needs

The government is set to strengthen the country’s healthcare workforce with the recruitment of around 2,000 additional employees this year, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced, in a move aimed at addressing staffing needs and improving healthcare services nationwide.

The announcement came during the fourth episode of the President’s “Raayyithunge Adu” programme, where citizens are given an opportunity to directly raise their concerns and suggestions with the President.

During the programme, a Medical Officer from the Emergency Department of Hulhumalé Hospital highlighted the need for additional staff to meet the growing demand for healthcare services at the facility.

In response, President Muizzu said the government has already begun the process of recruiting additional healthcare workers, with approximately 2,000 new employees planned for the health sector across the country this year.

The President also announced plans to establish two additional General Practitioner (GP) clinics in Hulhumalé, with one planned for Phase 1 and another for Phase 2. The clinics will provide treatment for common illnesses and minor medical conditions, helping expand access to primary healthcare services.

He added that additional staff would be recruited for the new clinics once the facilities are completed.

The Medical Officer explained that staffing pressures at Hulhumalé Hospital increased around December last year following the resignation of several Medical Officers who left to pursue further studies. A request for additional recruitment was subsequently submitted.

President Muizzu assured that the recruitment process is already underway, with the planned expansion expected to provide greater support to healthcare facilities and help meet the increasing demand for services.

The expansion comes as the government continues to focus on increasing access to healthcare services and strengthening capacity across the health system. For a rapidly growing population centre such as Hulhumalé, expanding primary care facilities alongside increasing the healthcare workforce is expected to help meet rising demand and improve service delivery.

Under “Raayyithunge Adu”, members of the public are invited to meet directly with the President to present their grievances, concerns and suggestions. Participants are given 10 minutes to discuss their matters with the President, with the programme providing a direct channel for residents to bring issues requiring government attention to the President.