Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem has revealed tertiary hospital services have been launched in two more areas of the Maldives despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the 4th Congress of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Minister Naseem said no other government has brought such major developments to the health system. The minister said the health system of the country has seen revolutionary developments despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, two and a half years after the outbreak of COVID-19, the health system has suffered a major shock but has achieved remarkable achievements, he said.
Continuing on, Minister Naseem said tertiary hospital services have been started in two areas and three more hospitals are in the last phase of opening. Additionally, specialist doctors have been recruited to the atolls and various tests are being conducted in the facilities as well, he added.
Speaking about the challenges of COVID-19, Minister Naseem said only a few countries achieved success in containing the pandemic. He said the health services were continually provided without any disruptions during the pandemic while the government was tirelessly working to contain COVID-19.
Moreover, Minister Naseem said the health system in the Maldives was very poor when the current administration took office. He said the first task for the health sector was to modernise and reform the services. He said the top priority of the government is to bring health services and human resources in line with structural development.
In conclusion, the minister noted in the future priority will be given to further developing and maintaining the existing health care system, providing facilities for early detection and treatment of diseases, revitalising the primary healthcare system, and empowering community health workers to provide services closer to the people.