President Muizzu Honours Moosa Anwar for Outstanding Service to Maldives’ Health Sector

By Valentine Uchechukwu Ndukwu

President Muizzu Honours Moosa Anwar for Outstanding Service to Maldives’ Health Sector

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has awarded Moosa Anwar the Highest Honour for Service to the Maldives Health Sector Medal in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the country’s healthcare system.

The medal was presented during the Republic Day ceremony at the Maldives Centre for Social Education.

Anwar, originally from Meedhoo in Addu Atoll, began his career as an interpreter at the Regional Medical Centre in Gan during the British protectorate.

His dedication led him to train in dental and surgical care, earning him a commendation from the Royal Air Force in 1975 for his outstanding service.

After the British left Gan, Anwar was invited by then-President Ibrahim Nasir to join public service in Malé in 1977. He became a Practical Nurse Instructor and also worked as a dentist at the Central Hospital.

Later, he pursued further studies in the United Kingdom and returned to teach at the Allied Health Services Training Centre, where he rose through the ranks to become Deputy Director.

Throughout his career, he played a key role in expanding healthcare education and helping to establish regional hospitals across the Maldives.

Moosa Anwar’s lifelong service included major contributions to thalassaemia awareness and the creation of the National Thalassaemia Centre.

He also supported the development of rehabilitation and special needs facilities and helped transition key services from Central Hospital to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

Before retiring in 2009, he served at the Maldives Food and Drug Authority, strengthening national health standards.

With over 40 years of dedication to the health sector, Anwar’s recognition by President Muizzu celebrates a life committed to improving healthcare for Maldivians.