The Maldives Foreign Policy and its techniques to manage foreign affairs are appreciating and comprehending. The nation has maintained friendly relations with other countries which is an aid for its economic development and strategic partnership. India is one of the significant allies of the Maldives.
Recently, the government of both countries has approached the health and medical industry. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been approved and signed on June 8, 2019, between the government of India and the government of the Republic of the Maldives for the collaboration and cooperation in the Health sector. It has been authorized to provide affordable and easily accessible medical facilities in both countries.
Fields covered under MoU
- Both countries agreed to exchange and enhance the quality of training of doctors, health professionals, and experts.
- Work in the field of medical and health research development is also included.
- Change of medical information and regulations of medicines and medical products is highly considered.
- Communicable and non-communicable diseases
- Encouraging Telemedicine and E-Heath are also one of the objectives of the agreement.
Other areas are also to be added to this MoU as per the real-time demands in the medical sector.
The commitment to strengthening the mutual relationship between Maldives and India through medical tourism was stimulated after the state visit of the Prime Minister of India H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi to the Maldives on the invitation of the President of the Republic of Maldives H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The Prime Minister expressed his thoughts on the bond shared between both countries while addressing the Maldivian Parliament and added the MoU of the medical and health sector to the list of bilateral agreements between India and Maldives.
A group has formed by the government to propagate the objectives and implementation of the MoU properly. It has been believed that this agreement will be an aid to the enhancement in the medical field and health sector.
Due to the dispersed population of Maldives, health has always been a significant challenge in the development of the country. India contributed to the health sector of Maldives by establishing Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), which provides world-class healthcare facilities in the country. Moreover, India has always been the first choice for medical tourism for the citizen of Maldives owing to high accessibility, affordable, and quality services.
The former president of the Republic of Maldives H.E. Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom also appreciated the help and contribution of India towards the health care facilities and services of Maldives. He encouraged medical tourism by bringing India Health Expo 2016 in the Maldives for introducing health specialties of India to the country.
The advancement and evolution of modern equipment and schemes in the medical areas have given an upliftment to medical tourism in India. India provides all the treatment and health services at a nominal cost, and it is one of the most accessible countries to be approached for medication. It is the reason why patients from all over the world are attracted to India for treatment and therapeutics. The Maldives is one of the countries benefitted with the excellent and high-end medical system of India.
Factors which make India an ideal country for medical tourism
- World-class facilities: There are many hospitals in India which has highly qualified doctors and excellent infrastructure. It’s robust accreditation system also contributes towards its global presence in the health sector.
- Advanced technologies: India has emerged as a center for R&D activities for bringing new technologies and techniques through low cost of medical researches. All types of medication, treatment, and clinical services are available in India at affordable price.
- Qualified doctors: The education of India is considered very active at the global level since ages. India builds a good community of proficient and accomplished doctors and medical personnel.
- Cost-effective: Not only the cost of medication and clinical facilities but also the cost of living in India is low. It helps the foreign patients to afford the treatment in India even it lasts for a longer time.
- Fast appointments: In some countries, patients get an appointment for bypass surgery or angioplasty in 3-5 months. But, India takes no time in rendering an appointment for any surgery or treatment.
In this way, the Memorandum of Understanding offers indigenous methods of treatment and healthcare to the Maldives and is an excellent support for the development of the health sector in the country.
State Bank of India has also accorded financial help in healthcare in the Maldives. Moreover, it has given its part in establishing hospitals in Male, the capital of Maldives for accessible clinical facilities.
Healthy lifestyle and precautions to prevent diseases have also been promised in the Maldives by introducing digital solutions and inspiring computational technologies. Enhancements in health services are brought up in the country with revolutionary techniques and technological skills.