New statistics released by the Ministry of Health, Family, and Social Welfare on International Nurses Day reveal a significant shift in the Maldives’ healthcare sector, with local professionals now comprising the majority of the nursing workforce.

According to the latest data, there are currently 3,907 nurses practicing across the country. Of these, 64 percent—or 2,503 individuals—are Maldivian nationals, while expatriate nurses account for 1,404 of the workforce. The report highlights that the vast majority of these professionals, approximately 84 percent (3,291 nurses), are employed within the public sector at government hospitals and health centers. The remaining 16 percent (616 nurses) operate within private clinics and hospitals.

The geographic distribution of the nursing staff is nearly balanced, with 51 percent (1,989 nurses) stationed in the Greater Male’ area and 49 percent (1,918 nurses) serving in the various atolls. Gender statistics continue to show a strong female presence in the profession, with women making up 92 percent (3,593) of the workforce compared to only 8 percent (314) who are male.

Industry experts attribute this increase in local participation to the expansion of nursing programs at domestic educational institutions. The Maldives National University (MNU) and Villa College have played pivotal roles in training a new generation of local nurses, reducing the nation’s historical reliance on foreign healthcare workers.