The Government of Japan, in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has donated medical equipment to enhance the Maldives' border health capacity. The equipment was handed over during a ceremony at Velana International Airport, attended by Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel and MACL Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef.
Minister Khaleel emphasised the vital role of airports in disease control, reflecting on lessons from COVID-19 regarding the need for health emergency preparedness. He noted that the donated equipment aims to improve safety for both Maldivians and visitors by strengthening health screenings and minimizing physical contact, ultimately supporting tourism.
Ibrahim Shareef highlighted that the equipment will aid in border health management as the airport expansion project increases passenger capacity to 7.5 million annually. The donated items include a digital full-body scanner, a fully equipped ambulance, vehicles for Port Health, and various medical supplies, with a total project cost of USD 8.4 million.