In a landmark step toward strengthening local capacity in the healthcare sector, the State Trading Organization (STO) has successfully trained and graduated the first cohort of local radiographers in the Maldives.
The initiative was launched in response to a 2018 study conducted by GE Healthcare, which revealed a significant gap in Maldivian representation within the country’s healthcare workforce—particularly in radiography, a field largely dominated by foreign professionals. In an effort to address this shortfall, STO partnered with GE Healthcare to introduce a locally-run radiography training programme.
Strategic Partnership and Institutional Development
The partnership was formalised with a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2018, reflecting STO’s commitment to both human capital development and corporate social responsibility. To facilitate the programme, STO established the STO Training Institute in 2019, which was registered with the Ministry of Higher Education. The course curriculum was submitted and approved by the Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) the same year.
As part of its social responsibility efforts, STO awarded full scholarships to all students in the inaugural batch, covering tuition costs and providing a monthly stipend of MVR 2,300. The course was officially launched in July 2022.
Nationwide Recruitment and Selection
To ensure broad accessibility, STO conducted an extensive nationwide awareness campaign across Malé and the atolls, using TV, radio, social media, and in-person outreach. These efforts resulted in 94 applications. After a rigorous selection process involving entrance exams and interviews, 25 students were chosen for the programme.
The course commenced in October 2022 with a special inauguration ceremony held at Hotel Jen. Students signed formal agreements with STO on the occasion.
International Standard Curriculum and Practical Training
The programme followed a structure designed to meet international standards—comprising two years of theoretical instruction followed by six months of hands-on clinical training. To deliver the practical component, STO signed agreements with five major hospitals: IGMH, ADK, Senahiya Military Hospital, Treetop Hospital, and Hulhumalé Hospital. Clinical training sessions began in December 2022 and concluded in August 2024.
Before beginning their internships in February 2025, students participated in a preparatory programme focused on motivation and customer care. Clinical supervisors noted a strong level of academic performance and professionalism among the trainees—underscoring the course’s effectiveness.
Successful Graduation and Sector Impact
Of the original 25 enrollees, 23 students successfully completed the course. Two graduates have already begun working at regional hospitals, while others are actively pursuing employment opportunities.
The introduction of 23 trained local radiographers into the workforce marks a significant advancement for the Maldivian healthcare system. However, STO noted that the sector still requires more qualified professionals and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting such transformative initiatives in the future.
Graduation Ceremony
The culmination of this milestone initiative was celebrated at a graduation ceremony attended by key stakeholders. Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim graced the event as Chief Guest, congratulating the graduates and acknowledging STO’s valuable contribution to national development.
This pioneering course not only addresses an important skills gap but also sets a precedent for future public-private partnerships aimed at building local expertise in critical sectors.