Vice President Faisal Naseem has stressed the importance of strengthening the Maldives’ social protection system during the launch of the National Consultation on Readiness to Implement Action Plan to Strengthen Regional Cooperation on Social Protection in the Maldives. The event was held at Hotel Jen on Wednesday morning.
During his address, the Vice President revealed that the government plans to redefine social protection in the near future via the new National Social Protection Framework, which will divide it into social insurance schemes and social assistance programs.
He noted that the Maldives had already made significant progress in its efforts to ensure access to social protection for all.
He also added that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration oversaw major progress in strengthening the Social Protection System with the launch of the new registry portal by the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) for people with disabilities.
The new registry followed the classification of disabilities according to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s standards. The Maldives has also implemented universal cash transfers as well as allowances for therapeutic items and assistive technology for people with disabilities.
The Vice President highlighted that the implementation of allowances for single mothers, the provision of subsidizing utilities for vulnerable individuals and those living below the poverty line, and pension plans have all positively affected the lives of thousands around the nation.
He emphasized the importance of working collectively to better the lives of the people and stated that the Maldives has always been an ardent supporter of the Action Plan to Strengthen Regional Cooperation on Social Protection. The Regional Action Plan provides a shared vision, strategy, and platform for more inclusive and extensive social protection systems.
Vice President added that government’s efforts to redefine social protection and strengthen social protection systems in the Maldives are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals and those living below the poverty line.
