In a special video message to the nation on Sunday morning, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced an improved pay framework for healthcare and social service sector employees. The new pay structure will come into effect on Monday, May 1, 2023.
The President highlighted the key changes in pay, stating that senior registered nurses can expect to earn MVR 29,271 without overtime pay, up from MVR 20,459. Specialist nurses will now be entitled to MVR 41,976. Senior medical officers will earn an average monthly pay of MVR 41,541 without overtime, and subspecialist consultants with the highest grade will be entitled to MVR 98,137 without overtime pay.
The revised pay structure also extends to social service sector employees, including psychologists, counselors, and social workers, who will receive a 35 percent allowance from Monday onwards. Additionally, the government will provide an internship allowance for students pursuing medical and dental internships.
President Solih also announced plans for a scholarship loan program to encourage Maldivians to pursue careers in areas of the health sector that currently lack Maldivian representation.
The pay harmonization process will benefit a total of 9,838 employees and cost MVR 482 million annually. President Solih expressed hope that these improvements would lead to better service and inspire more Maldivians to join the health sector workforce. He concluded by noting that relevant ministries would provide more information on the adjustments made to the salary structure at a later date.
In his presidential address earlier this year, President Solih also announced allowances for civil service employees, including those in the judicial sector, civil servants, prayer leaders of mosques, and those who call for prayers at the mosque. Once the pay harmonization process is complete, all civil service employees will benefit from pay raises.
