Pakistan has announced its decision to provide assistance to construct a medical school and teaching hospital for Maldives National University (MNU). The unveiling of the design for these facilities took place during a special ceremony hosted at MNU.
The medical school, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, will be designed to accommodate up to 100 students. The teaching hospital is undergoing development as a 300-bed facility with modern technology to cater to the healthcare needs of patients. Both establishments are slated to be developed in Hulhumale'. MNU noted 5700 acres of land for the construction has been allocated.
Vice-Chancellor of MNU, Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam, highlighted the growing demand for medical education, including interest from overseas students. She emphasised the limitations of the current infrastructure, noting that the two floors of Dharumavantha Hospital are insufficient to meet student needs. The teaching hospital aims to address this gap while providing training opportunities for doctoral students.
The Vice-Chancellor further revealed plans to lay the foundation for the medical school and teaching hospital within the year, with completion expected within the next two and a half years.
High Commissioner of Pakistan to Maldives, Vice Admiral Mohammad Fayyaz Gilani, emphasised the significance of such initiatives for national and societal development. He expressed Pakistan's ongoing commitment to supporting educational endeavors, acknowledging the priority given by Maldives to nurturing an educated generation.
Vice Admiral (rtd) Muhammad Fayyaz Gilani, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Maldives, revealed that the Medical School and Teaching Hospital stand as a testament to the enduring relationship between Maldives and Pakistan. He expressed optimism that both facilities would be operational by the year 2027.
The architectural design for the medical school and teaching hospital was undertaken by Pakistan's Atif Nazar Pvt. Ltd., featuring a dedicated accommodation block for students studying within the hospital.
The MNU Medical School currently has nearly 300 students.