State Trading Organisation (STO) has begun preparations to send eight new ambulances to the atolls, as part of efforts of the Ministry of Health to expand emergency health care services across the country.
Many island residents have shared complaints with the health ministry regarding the unused and damaged ambulances in the hospitals and health centres since ambulance services are one of the most important means of providing emergency health care. A project was launched in June last year to provide ambulances to the atolls, in an effort to solve such issues.
Under the project, the procurement of 96 ambulances was contracted to STO, which recently stated that efforts are underway to send eight ambulances to the islands from the last procured batch.
The fourth batch of ambulances with 21 units arrived in March and is expected to be handed over to Guraidhoo in Kaafu Atoll, Rasdhoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll, Dhigurah in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Vilufushi in Thaa Atoll, Kanduhulhudhoo in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Nadella in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Fuvahmulah City, and Hithadhoo in Addu City.
The government has expanded its efforts to strengthen the healthcare system in the atolls and prevent them from travelling to Male' City for medical treatment unless necessary. As such, efforts are underway to develop tertiary hospitals in five regions and several projects are currently underway to renovate and develop the hospitals and health centres in the atolls.