Inaugurating a symposium held at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) to enhance awareness regarding asthma, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed called for a strategic shift in the Maldivian healthcare system towards ensuring comprehensive well-being. In her address, she highlighted environmental pollution as a significant driver of respiratory diseases and emphasized the importance of changing societal perceptions surrounding the use of inhalers. Furthermore, she appealed to the public to demonstrate greater compassion and support toward patients.
During the symposium, healthcare professionals identified several challenges in managing asthma within the Maldives, particularly regarding the availability of essential medications and medical resources. They noted that public hesitation toward using inhalers, often coupled with a lack of proper technique, remains a significant barrier to effective disease management. To reduce hospital admission rates, experts underscored the necessity of intensifying awareness programs and aligning the national treatment framework with international standards. This year’s World Asthma Day theme further reinforces this mission by advocating for equitable access to essential care for everyone.
