Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has announced the establishment of laboratory services in approximately 70 islands across the country before May this year. The inauguration of the project took place at a special ceremony held at the Uduvila Hall of Dharumavantha Hospital.
Addressing the ceremony, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef emphasised the significance of laboratory services as a fundamental component in expanding health services. Despite the challenges posed by the natural structure of the Maldives, he highlighted the President's commitment to bolstering emergency medical services in all islands and ensuring a fully strengthened health system that provides quality services to the people.
Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef underscored the government's dedication to making laboratory services a basic and accessible healthcare service for everyone, facilitating early disease detection. He noted that this initiative aligns with the government's broader efforts to cultivate a healthy generation.
Minister of Health Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, speaking at the ceremony, addressed the longstanding issue of the lack of laboratory services in many atoll islands. He revealed plans to set up laboratories in 17 islands, thanks to the generous assistance of a neighboring country. The minister stated that two-thirds of the required resources for laboratory services in 76 islands have already been provided, with four islands already offering the service and the remaining 72 islands expected to have the facility in the coming days.
The minister added that the newly introduced gadgets would enable the conduction of 12 tests, with plans to expand to a total of 15 tests by May.