MHPU has consistently highlighted real cases where medical professionals were denied their rightful overtime pay, sharing firsthand accounts of the struggles faced by those on the front lines.
The New York Times
Underpaid healthcare workers are a global issue, affecting countries both large and small. Whether in the United States, the Maldives, or elsewhere, those who dedicate their lives to saving others often find themselves overworked and under-compensated. These professionals endure long hours, high-pressure environments, and the emotional toll of their work—all while receiving wages that fail to reflect their vital contributions to society. As healthcare systems continue to face growing demands, the question remains: why are those on the frontlines of public health among the most undervalued?
This is a concern that the Maldives Health Professionals Union (MHPU) has been actively raising with the Maldivian government. The union has been vocal about the lack of proper compensation for healthcare workers, particularly the failure to provide overtime allowances despite long and demanding shifts. MHPU has consistently highlighted real cases where medical professionals were denied their rightful overtime pay, sharing firsthand accounts of the struggles faced by those on the front lines. Through social media campaigns and public statements, the union continues to shed light on these injustices, pushing for policy changes that ensure fair wages and benefits for healthcare workers in the Maldives.
The union which was created in 2019 was formed right before the pandemic to highlight and seek support for a campaign to get health workers a well-deserved pay rise and fair conditions in the Maldives. The main aim behind the work being started was due to a lack of job structure for all health professions, which has been on hold since 2008. The lack of job structure meant that opportunities, as well as promotional opportunities in the Maldives for healthcare workers, were low, along with low wages due to the Government not having reviewed and updated salaries based on inflation and developments. This not only applied to nurses but health support staff across various fields including pharmacists, dieticians, biomedical engineers and so on. With this, MHPU started their work towards lobbying the Government to formulate a technical job structure for all allied health professionals in the public sector.
The hard work being carried out by MHPU since the formation of the union is finally becoming fruitful as the Government published the 7th Amendment to the State Pay Framework Standard in the Government Gazette on 20th March 2025. The amendment introduced a provision for an attendance benefit to be payable to Government employees on duty during the final 10 days of Ramadan, as determined by their respective Government offices. These changes were brought to the framework as the last 10 days of Ramadan, starting the 20th of March were classified as official holidays. With this, Under Law No. 02/2008 (Employment Act), staff who are required to work during these official holidays of Ramadan are to receive an allowance equivalent to two-thirds of the standard holiday duty allowance.
In addition to this, overtime worked during these Ramadan days will be calculated at Government holiday rates, including those designated as Government holidays by the President's Office. Overtime payment will apply to all office-determined working hours on these days, with the previous 10 per cent exclusion period now removed.
The amendment also further specifies that personnel who have transitioned to the Public Service Pay Framework will receive an attendance allowance for weekdays (excluding Fridays and Saturdays) between the 20th and the end of Ramadan, irrespective of their physical presence at the workplace.
Although the amendment only addresses overtime pay during the Ramadan holidays, this is a major milestone in securing the rights of healthcare workers. The MHPU has made remarkable progress in bringing attention to the struggles of healthcare workers. The recent amendment to the State Pay Framework proves that persistent advocacy can lead to meaningful change. However, there is still a long road ahead to ensure that all healthcare professionals receive the fair compensation and working conditions they deserve.
