Ministry of Health has handed over the development of new hospitals in four islands to a foreign contractor.
At a special ceremony, the government contracted Telecommunication Consultants India Limited for the design and construction of the four hospitals. The agreement was signed by Minister of State for Health Ahmed Adil and Executive Director, Civil, Telecommunication Consultants Atul Kumar Jain.
The contractor was awarded the development of new hospitals in Dhihdhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll, Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll, Alifushi in Raa Atoll, and Villingili in Gaafu Alifu Atoll. The hospitals are being built as part of the project launched by the government to strengthen and expand the health system in the provinces.
The hospitals are developed on islands that currently have atoll regional hospitals. As part of the project, 50-bed hospitals are to be developed in Dhihdhoo, Kudahuvadhoo, and Villingili while a 30-bed hospital will be developed in Alifushi.
The project is being implemented under the Buyers Credit Scheme of Indian Exim Bank. The health ministry said the project will cost USD 57.23 million.
The government has announced and launched several infrastructure projects for the development of the health sector in the past few years.