The first Maldivian Physiotherapy Symposium was held in September 2025 at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), bringing together approximately 50 participants from across the health sector, including physiotherapists, doctors, nurses, staff and students of The Maldives National University (MNU), and alumni. The symposium provided a platform for professional exchange and discussion on evidence-based approaches to healthy ageing.

The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) contributed to the symposium through the participation of Miss Uzma Sayyad and Mr Felix Renald as key speakers. They presented evidence on healthy ageing, highlighting the role of physiotherapy and evidence-informed practice in supporting health and wellbeing as populations age.

The symposium created an opportunity for students and alumni of MNU to engage with practising health professionals and broaden their understanding of contemporary physiotherapy practice. Bringing together professionals from different areas of healthcare also supported dialogue across disciplines and provided a setting for knowledge sharing among physiotherapists and other healthcare practitioners.

The focus on healthy ageing reflects the importance of preventive and rehabilitative approaches in maintaining physical function, independence and wellbeing across the life course. For physiotherapy education and professional practice in the Maldives, opportunities to discuss current evidence with healthcare practitioners can contribute to continued professional learning and greater awareness of approaches to healthy ageing.

The event also strengthened connections within the Maldivian physiotherapy and wider healthcare community. By providing a shared platform for students, alumni, academic staff and health professionals, the symposium supported professional networking and knowledge exchange between the University and the health sector.

The participation of FHS representatives in the inaugural symposium further contributed to the Faculty’s engagement with professional dialogue on health and rehabilitation. The initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through its focus on healthy ageing and with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration and knowledge exchange among members of the health and education sectors.