Vice President Faisal Naseem of the Maldives has recently stated that the improved pay framework for the healthcare sector in the country will encourage more individuals to pursue higher education in the sector. This statement was made during a meeting with the Maldivian community residing in Bangladesh, which the Vice President is currently visiting as part of his attendance of the sixth Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) 2023 in Dhaka.
At the meeting, VP Naseem highlighted the ambitious plans of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration to enhance healthcare services across the country and emphasized the importance of increasing the number of trained professionals in the workforce. He also noted that the Solih administration prioritizes the training of teachers and doctors, as these individuals offer invaluable services to the country.
Furthermore, VP Naseem noted that the administration’s decision to increase healthcare sector wages is expected to encourage more students to pursue higher studies in the sector. He highlighted that many Maldivian medical students and others in specialized fields choose to attain higher education at Bangladeshi institutions, due in part to the close bilateral relations between the two countries, which have resulted in easing visa facilitation for Maldivian students.
VP Naseem also spoke about the Maldivian communities living abroad and stated that the Solih administration is committed to providing them with necessary services without discrimination. He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to closely monitor the situation of Maldivian students and families living abroad.
The sixth IOC is scheduled to be held from May 12-13 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and aims to bring together key stakeholders to chart the roadmap to strengthen regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. VP Naseem is scheduled to deliver remarks at the inaugural session of the two-day conference and to hold meetings with high-level dignitaries as well, as part of his brief visit to Bangladesh.
