The President addresses on three key areas in the latest episode of the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast

Speaking in the latest episode of the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast, the President Dr Mohamed Muizzu addresses on three key areas; Prolonged Pre-trial Detention, Launch of Maldives 2.0 Initiative & Transfer of Thalassaemia Centre and Maldivian Blood Services to Malé City Group of Hospitals' Governing Board.

President Dr Muizzu has pledged to address the issue of prolonged pre-trial detention in the Maldives. He emphasized the need for immediate and long-term solutions, including expediting investigations and providing necessary infrastructure and resources. The government is also working on a new court complex in Hulhumalé, which will enable multiple trials simultaneously. Over 300 individuals are currently in prolonged pre-trial detention, with some remaining in custody for over six years. President also emphasized the need for a composite prison system in the Maldives, ensuring all detention facilities uphold human dignity. The government is seeking investment for a new detention facility and is currently reviewing at least one-third of pre-trial detainee cases. He also emphasized the urgent need to reform the bail system, stating it is costly and inaccessible. The government has held two national forums this year to promote judicial reform, involving key stakeholders outside the judiciary and directly with the judiciary.

President Dr Muizzu has announced the launch of 'Maldives 2.0', an initiative aimed at digitalizing the country to eliminate corruption. The initiative aims to automate and digitalize public services, reduce power abuse, improve information access, eliminate corruption, and enhance transparency. The government, service providers, and private sector institutions will be interconnected through a unified network. A draft of legislation is being prepared to support the initiative. The project will be carried out in collaboration with Estonia, a country known for its digital advancements. The Maldives Digital Transformation Summit, which begins on Friday evening, will feature a team of Estonian experts. President Dr Muizzu emphasized the importance of change management and public acceptance in the successful implementation of the reforms.

Lastly, President Dr Muizzu has announced that the Thalassaemia Centre and Maldivian Blood Services will be transferred to the Malé City Group of Hospitals' Governing Board in the coming weeks. This move aims to streamline service delivery and revise operational hours to better serve patients. The President emphasized the importance of managing the Centre under a hospital structure to enhance efficiency and service quality. Administrative responsibilities will be transferred to the Malé Group of Hospitals within two weeks, expediting service provision and organizational management. The move will improve access to specialist care and allow patients to seek timely medical intervention. The role of the Malé Group of Hospitals in managing these services will be significantly expanded. The President also announced that 14 patients have already received bone marrow transplants, in line with the government's pledge to fund them. Preparations are underway to establish a dedicated Thalassaemia hospital in the Maldives, with agreements with contractors to provide bone marrow treatment services.