Dr. Aminath Shiyama, Quality Assurance Controller at the Maldives National University (MNU), moderated the webinar “Turning Quality Improvement into Research” on 11 August 2026. The webinar was hosted by the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare, in collaboration with the Civil Service Training Institute, and brought together more than 50 participants.
The webinar focused on how quality improvement initiatives can be transformed into research, evidence and meaningful impact, encouraging participants to look beyond immediate improvement activities and consider how practice-based experiences can generate knowledge, inform decision-making and support sustained organisational improvement.
The discussion also highlighted the value of evidence-based practice, knowledge sharing, innovation, capacity building and cross-sector collaboration—areas that contribute to wider sustainable development and the strengthening of institutions and communities. The focus on quality improvement and research further reinforces the role of knowledge and evidence in supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The session featured Dr. Georgie P. Zachariah, Head of Quality Improvement Department, Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, and Ms. Shobana Mallisetti Ramana, Director, Scribezonee and SAPARS Publishers, as speakers.
With participation from over 50 professionals, the webinar provided a valuable platform for professional learning, knowledge exchange and collaboration across sectors, while promoting a culture in which quality improvement is supported by research, evidence and continuous learning. Dr. Shiyama’s participation as moderator also provided an opportunity for MNU to share its expertise in quality assurance and quality enhancement with a wider profession