Rameela resigns from cabinet amid cancer battle

Dr. Aishath Rameela, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare, has resigned from the cabinet, amid a continuing battle with cancer.

In a statement on Sunday, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced that he had accepted Rameela’s resignation, which she tendered citing her health condition.

He thanked Rameela for her dedicated service to the people and the state despite her poor health.

“I offer sincere appreciation for the valuable services rendered to the government with honesty and wisdom,” he said.

President Muizzu added that he was glad to have appointed such a hardworking and capable individual to his cabinet, and expressed confidence Rameela will continue to serve the country.

He also prayed for courage and for a swift and permanent recovery.

A PhD holder, Rameela was appointed to head the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare – a new ministry – on November 17, 2023.

On November 29, 2023, Rameela announced that she had been diagnosed with advanced metastatic serous papillary carcinoma - a highly malignant form of ovarian cancer.

She has undergone surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy as part of her treatment.

The President’s Office has yet to announced Rameela’s replacement.

Rameela is the second member of President Muizzu’s original cabinet to resign. The first was Dr. Mohamed Shafeeq, who resigned from his role as Minister of Finance on September 30.