President Muizzu blamed the “medical mafia” for the medicine shortage, accusing pharmacies of price gouging and claiming to have solved the problem by imposing price caps. All essential medicines will be available at STO pharmacies by March 15, he assured.
The president opened ATMs and health centre extensions during his ongoing tour of Dhaalu atoll islands. He broke ground on an ice plant in Bandidhoo and presided over the signing of agreements for harbour extension and road development projects in Meedhoo. He pledged land reclamation for Maaeboodhoo and Bandidhoo and designated the uninhabited island of Udhdhoo as a picnic island for the atoll.
Free cases of canned tuna have been distributed to 15,000 households, the local government minister said, assuring that distribution will continue until all households receive one.
A female teacher was sacked on a southern island over alleged grooming of an eighth grade student.
The new academic year will begin on April 7 and conclude on December 28, according to the updated calendar from the education ministry after reverting the previous government’s changes to end the academic year in June or July.
The health authorities launched a mass inspection of cafés and restaurants ahead of Ramadan aiming to check all food preparation and serving areas to ensure compliance with quality standards.
As part of efforts to fulfil a presidential pledge to plant one million trees, HDC announced plans to create a plant nursery in Laamu Gan on a 100,000 square feet plot of land allocated by the island council.
The Maldives Islamic Bank introduced a tag for contactless payment, which can be attached to the back of mobile phones or used as a keychain, following the introduction of payments wearables including a ring earlier this year.