As part of his tour to some islands of Northern atoll to share the development programmes included in this year’s budget for the development of the islands, the President today visited Foakaidhoo and Milandhoo of Shaviyani Atoll.
Meeting the people of both islands, President Mohamed Nasheed reiterated that the government’s pledges were based on the most urgent needs of the people the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party identified after extensive consultation with people.
He said he was confident that delivering these pledges would develop the country.
Highlighting the achievements of the government, especially in providing social protection, he said the government pledged to provide social security to people recognizing that national progress was not possible while one third of the population lived below poverty line.
In this regard, the President said, as part of the government’s pledge to provide affordable healthcare, 167 residents of Foakaidhoo and 216 residents of Milandhoo were insured by Madhana health insurance programme.
The President revealed that over 32000 people have received healthcare in 2010 through Madhana health insurance scheme, while only 1200 people received financial assistance for healthcare from the welfare fund in Theemuge in 2008.
In addition, he noted 67 people from Foakaidhoo and 90 people from Milandhoo continued to receive old age pension initiated by this government.
Speaking in both islands, the President reiterated the government’s commitment to consolidating democracy, stating that consolidation of democracy was the first project of his administration.
In Foakaidhoo, the President said that the government would do the necessary repairs and make the adjustments proposed by the people of the island this year.
The President has returned to Male’ this afternoon after completing his tour of Northern most atolls of the country.