Govt to Equip Hospitals With MRI, CT and Dental Units in Six-Month Rollout, President Muizzu States

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a comprehensive expansion of healthcare infrastructure across the country, pledging to equip regional hospitals with advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities within six months. The initiative, unveiled during a community meeting in Guraidhoo, Thaa Atoll, marks a pivotal step in the administration’s broader strategy to decentralise specialised medical services and reduce the population’s dependence on the capital, Malé.

At the heart of the plan is the installation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology in all tertiary-level hospitals currently lacking such equipment. President Muizzu underscored the six-month timeline as integral to his government’s commitment to strengthening the national health system and alleviating the burden on citizens who must travel to Malé for essential procedures.

The diagnostic overhaul extends to Computed Tomography (CT) scan facilities, which will be introduced in hospitals developed within designated urban centres. Alongside these upgrades, the government intends to establish fully resourced dental units in 15 atoll hospitals over the next four months, broadening access to oral healthcare.

“This initiative is designed to reduce the need for citizens to travel to Malé for every such service, making it more convenient to access these resources within their home island or atoll,” the president said.

“Our aim is to empower the people and alleviate the burden of dependency on the capital,” he added. “These efforts are fundamental to strengthening the health sector and are being implemented under our overarching decentralisation policy to establish comprehensive resources throughout the islands.”

Guraidhoo to host first regional chamber for diving-related emergencies

In a related announcement, President Muizzu addressed a longstanding concern within the country’s maritime and diving communities. He committed to the establishment of decompression chambers in six regions over the next six months, targeting the persistent risks faced by fishermen and divers suffering from decompression sickness.

The first chamber outside Malé is scheduled to open in Guraidhoo on Friday. The unit is capable of treating patients affected by incidents at depths of up to 100 metres. “This facility, which will operate under the supervision of the MNDF’s [Maldives National Defence Force] Senahiya Hospital, has been donated through the generous assistance of the government of Japan,” the president said.

Fulfilling a presidential campaign pledge, the administration plans to install additional decompression chambers in Addu City, Fuvahmulah City, Rasdhoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll, Villingili in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and Malé. According to President Muizzu, the acquisition and installation of the necessary equipment are already underway and progressing through various stages.