Ministry of Health has revealed three new services are set to be introduced as part of the efforts to upgrade healthcare services across the country.
The health ministry revealed the new services are being introduced under the grant aid of the Government of India. The ministry stated the new services will help to revolutionise the health sector and ensure high-quality healthcare services to the public.
The first service to be introduced is the manufacturing of prosthetics and orthotics. Under the grant agreement signed with India, a workshop will be established with the necessary machinery and equipment to produce prosthetics and orthotics. The cost of this project is approximately USD129,000.
The second service to be introduced is speech therapy in Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital (KRH). The speech therapy unit will be established with a soundproof station, audiometry setup, and the required computer systems. The cost of this project is approximately USD58,000.
The third service to be introduced is mental health services in Addu Equatorial Hospital (AEH). This would be the first mental health centre to be established outside the Greater Male’ Region. The Indian government has provided grant aid of USD43,000 for the development of the centre.
The government is undertaking several projects under the aid of the World Health Organisation (WHO), bilateral partners, and international organisations to strengthen the healthcare services in the country. The government has stated the aim is to decentralise healthcare services and reduce the dependency on the Greater Male’ Region to seek medical treatment.