Govt unveils policy on return of out-of-service health workers

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has unveiled a policy formulated by the government to facilitate the return of nurses and other healthcare professionals who have been out of service due to various reasons.

The policy – part of the Maldivian administration’s ‘Hafuthaa 14’ roadmap – was launched in a ceremony hosted by the Health Ministry on Wednesday morning.

The policy, formulated by the Health Ministry in collaboration with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), allows former health professionals to return to work on wage basis.

The policy allows health professionals to be directly recruited based on merit, forgoing the public vacancy announcement required under the standard recruitment policy.

They will also have the option of flexible working hours – shorter than the standard eight hours.

Speaking at the ceremony, Health Minister Abdulla Khaleel said that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu wishes for the doors to be open for everyone who wishes to serve the country.

“The president wishes to facilitate the opportunity to serve the country, facilitate a way for people to get paid for their service, and to promote mental healthcare,” he said.

Meanwhile, CSC’s president Mohamed Nasih said that authorities were also working on formulating policies to facilitate the return of out-of-service workers from additional professions.