Minister of Health Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has criticised the previous government for developing hospitals at higher costs than necessary.
Speaking at a People's National Congress (PNC) campaign rally, Minister Khaleel highlighted that the previous administration announced and awarded projects in the health sector with no adequate budgeting. He noted that these projects were often announced close to the recent presidential election.
Furthermore, Minister Khaleel disclosed that 57 projects were awarded in the health sector alone during the previous term and noted that 30 of these were halted for various reasons. He said that the current government has managed to start 20 of the projects after extensive discussions and negotiations with contractors since assuming office. He expressed hope that the government would develop the announced hospitals at a lower cost with the new design changes.
Additionally, Khaleel disclosed that the Kuwait Fund awarded to develop hospitals in seven regions of the Maldives during the previous term, were withdrawn due to various administrative issues. He noted that the current government has managed to recover some of the funds that were withdrawn.
Moreover, Minister Khaleel criticised the previous government for its failures in the health sector, holding them responsible for the current fragile state of the economy. He also said that the country’s current situation is a result of government spending that did not align with revenue.