Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital has begun providing chemotherapy services.
Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital is the main medical facility in the northernmost region consisting of a population of 70,000 residents in Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and Shaviyani Atoll. The hospital has provided the relevant training to the nurses and begun registering patients for chemotherapy services. The first patient, a resident of another island in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, was successfully treated with chemotherapy on July 3. The patient was treated by the nursing staff, who will continue to receive additional training in providing chemotherapy services.
The limited availability of chemotherapy services in the Maldives poses a significant challenge for the growing number of cancer patients. Currently, only a few hospitals offer these services in the atolls, which are Addu Equatorial Hospital and Lhaviyani Atoll Hospital. As a result, many patients are compelled to rely on the services offered in Male', which necessitates frequent travel every three weeks.
However, the introduction of chemotherapy services in Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital is expected to alleviate the burden on patients and ensure they receive timely and convenient treatment, as the islands in the northernmost region are connected to the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry service. Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital stated that the chemotherapy sessions are arranged to coincide with the RTL ferry hours, noting that this approach offers a more affordable alternative compared to patients having to individually rent vessels for their travel needs. The hospital will provide chemotherapy and all related treatments at no cost to the patient.