The Republic of Maldives has marked a significant milestone in strengthening the quality and consistency of care for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) with the official launch of 28 National Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) on 8 December 2025. The launch followed a two-day national orientation and consultation that brought together policymakers, clinicians, technical experts, and development partners, reflecting a shared commitment to improving patient safety and clinical governance across the country.
Developed through a strong partnership between Ministry of Health, World Health Organization Maldives, and the Asian Development Bank, the STGs provide evidence-based, locally adapted guidance for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of priority NCDs. While global WHO recommendations form the scientific foundation, these national guidelines translate that evidence into practical clinical pathways tailored to the Maldives’ health system realities, including its dispersed island geography, reliance on imported medicines, and diverse health workforce.
The guidelines were developed through a rigorous and consultative process led by the Delhi Society for Promotion of Rational Use of Drugs (DSPRUD) under the technical leadership of Professor Sangeeta Sharma and coordinated by the Ministry of Health’s Quality Assurance and Regulatory Division. The process included peer-review workshops, national consultations, and revisions to ensure clinical accuracy, feasibility, and relevance to frontline service delivery. This collaborative approach ensured that the guidelines reflect both international best practices and local experience.
Capacity-building was a central feature of the work. On the first day, a national online orientation reached more than 100 clinicians from health facilities across the atolls, demonstrating strong nationwide engagement and readiness for implementation. The second day focused on in-person workshops that strengthened practical skills in rational use of medicines, clinical decision-making, and integration of STGs into routine care, supporting consistent and high-quality service delivery at all levels of the health system.
In a country where NCDs continue to place a growing burden on individuals and health services, and where a high proportion of the medical workforce is expatriate with frequent staff turnover, the introduction of standardized treatment pathways represents a critical step toward improving equity, efficiency, and patient safety. By aligning the STGs with the WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions, the initiative supports universal health coverage by empowering frontline providers, reducing unnecessary variation in care, and ensuring continuity and consistency of evidence-based care for patients, regardless of where they live.
World Health Organization reaffirms its commitment to continuing technical support for the Maldives as the guidelines are rolled out nationwide, including through ongoing health workforce orientation and quality improvement efforts. With every standardized treatment and informed clinical decision, the Maldives moves closer to a stronger, safer, and more resilient health system that delivers quality care for all.