The 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Maldivian Traditional (Indigenous) Medicine Association (AMIMP) took place at the conference hall in Thaajuddeen School, Male, on 12th September. The event was attended by members of the association and invitees. In addition to a presentation of the Association’s annual report for 2025 and remarks by the Association President Mohamed Ahmed, distinguished individuals were honored for their long-term services to traditional Maldivian medicine - known colloquially as ‘Dhivehi Beys’.
The individuals honored for their long-term services to traditional Maldivian medicine were; Hassan Qasim (Tholhendhoo Hassan Qasim), who received the 'Golden Mortar of Traditional Medicine'; Ahmed Saeed (Foolhumaage/GDh. Gadhdhoo), awarded the 'Shield of Expertise in Traditional Medicine'; and Uz. Adnan Yoosuf (Jawahirumaage/B. Kendhoo), recognized and honored for his role in ‘Revitalizing Ancient Traditional Medical Knowledge'. These awards were introduced to recognize the contributions of traditional indigenous medicine practitioners, encourage those in the field, and inspire the youth to pursue the discipline. 
Other speakers at the event noted that indigenous medicine has a long history in the Maldives, highlighting that detailed provisions for its development and preservation were included in the "Public Health Act" gazetted in 1934 - Western Allopathic (Western) medicine was first introduced to the Maldives in the early 1930s.
The AMIMP now has an active membership of over 170 practitioners representing over 100 inhabited islands in the Maldives. Due to the geographic nature of the Maldives archipelago, dialect and food recipes vary across the country. Similarly, the ingredients and methodologies differ in the practice of indigenous medicine in the country. This makes the Association a vital hub for networking and preserving knowledge of local medical practices and practitioners who often run their own establishments. 
More recently, acceptance and recognition of Maldivian traditional medicine has been registered in the community with the introduction of the first academic certification program for Traditional Maldivian Medicine - ‘Certificate 3 in Dhivehi Beysverikan’ by Mianz College in Male’.
While not in the country’s mainstream health practice, indigenous Maldivian medicine has found a place in the various spas dotted across the country in a number of resorts and island hotels. Most resort spas now include a spa experience (treatment) inspired by ‘Dhivehi Beys’, some even offering dedicated treatments over several days or weeks.
All photos: AMIMP & SO/Maldives
