WHO continuously works with departments of Ministry of Health to strengthen the regulatory capacity to ensure medicines and services provided are safe and quality assured. Some of the key activities in 2024 includes support to the develop and launch the public complaint system (Maaharaa portal), development of clinical treatment guidelines and continued support to strengthen the National Regulatory System (Maldives Food and Drug Authority).
Ministry of Health with technical support from WHO developed the "Maaharaa Portal" to facilitate reporting concerns related to healthcare service delivery. The platform was officially inaugurated by former Minister of Health Dr. Aminath Jameel at a special ceremony held to commemorate the World Patient Safety Day 2024. The portal can be utilized by individuals to report complaints and concerns pertaining to the challenges they face when seeking health services. This initiative will play a pivotal role in maintaining the trust of the public and improving the provision of services.
WHO Maldives plays a crucial role in supporting the development of Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) for the Maldives. This support is vital for ensuring quality healthcare, especially in the atolls where a significant expatriate workforce resides. By establishing standardized treatment protocols, STGs enhance the consistency and effectiveness of care provision across different healthcare facilities. This standardization will not only improve patient outcomes but also facilitates the smooth integration of treatment guidelines with the national health insurance scheme (Aasandha). Aligning treatment protocols with STGs will enable Aasandha to effectively assess and reimburse healthcare services based on evidence-based practices, ensuring sustainable and equitable access to quality healthcare for all.
WHO Maldives provides crucial support to the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) in strengthening its capacity as the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) to ensure access to safe and effective vaccines, medicines, and medical products for the public. This included facilitating a comprehensive benchmark assessment against international best practices and WHO guidelines. The Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) is the primary means by which the WHO objectively evaluates regulatory systems, as mandated by WHA Resolution 67.20 on Regulatory System Strengthening for medical products. This assessment aimed to identify areas of strength and weakness within the existing NRA system, allowing for targeted improvements in risk identification, prioritization, and mitigation strategies. This support from WHO Maldives played a vital role in enhancing the MFDA's capacity to effectively regulate pharmaceuticals and ensure the safety and quality of medicines within the Maldives. WHO also supports the Maldives in accessing specialized laboratories abroad for testing medicines and conducting confirmatory testing when necessary, ensuring access to high-quality and reliable laboratory services. Furthermore, WHO provides technical support for training and developing necessary guidelines to enhance the MFDA's regulatory functions, ensuring a robust and sustainable national regulatory system.