Himmafushi Island, Maldives – In November this year, a significant event took place in the small but vibrant island community of Himmafushi in the Maldives.
In a collaborative effort between the Health Protection Agency of the Maldivian Ministry of Health and the SAARC Development Fund (SDF), the island’s first-ever health camp for migrant workers was held, offering a range of essential health services to one of the country’s most marginalized groups.
With a population of over 2,800 residents, Himmafushi is a bustling hub, home not only to local Maldivians but also to many migrant workers from neighboring South Asian countries. These workers, who contribute significantly to the nation’s economy, often face barriers to accessing basic healthcare services.
The health camp, an initiative funded through SDF’s COVID-19 Emergency Grant Project, aims to bridge these gaps. The Himmafushi health camp was designed to provide a holistic range of services. Medical professionals from the Health Protection Agency, along with doctors and nurses, offered essential screenings, testing for infectious diseases, vaccinations, and general medical consultations.
Migrant workers had access to free medication, vaccines and counseling services—critical for those who work in challenging conditions far from their families. Migrant workers who attended the camp expressed relief at having access to healthcare they could trust. Many had previously faced obstacles in seeking medical attention due to language barriers and financial constraints.
“I have never had a free health check-up before,” said 36-year-old Chamith from Sri Lanka who has lived in the Maldives for over five years. “Today, I feel relieved that such services are available for us here.”
At the heart of this initiative is the Health Protection Agency of Maldives’ Ministry of Health. Dr. Abdul Hameed, the focal person from HPA explained the importance of this project for migrant workers, who often face challenges in accessing healthcare. “This project is a critical step in ensuring equitable access to healthcare for everyone,” he said. “Migrant workers are the backbone of many industries in the Maldives, yet they often remain invisible in terms of healthcare access. This camp is changing that.”
Dr. Hameed further emphasized the crucial role of the SAARC Development Fund’s partnership in making the health camp possible. “The funding provided by the SDF under the COVID-19 emergency grant has allowed us to reach out to the migrant communities, providing them with the care they deserve.”
The health camp’s impact resonated beyond migrant workers. Himmafushi’s health center manager, Aminath Rashida, remarked on the broader community benefits: “As migrant workers received essential health services, the camp also raised public health awareness among local residents, fostering a healthier community for all.”
Plans are already underway to replicate and expand the program to other parts of the Maldives, prioritizing regions with large migrant populations. By scaling up, the Health Protection Agency aims to address systemic healthcare gaps and uplift vulnerable populations across the country.
