President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced the introduction of sea ambulance service next year in Maavah, Laamu Atoll, aimed at resolving critical emergency patient transport challenges on the island.
Addressing the resident community in Maavah, as part of his ongoing tour of the inhabited islands of Laamu Atoll, he identified the healthcare services in Maavah as a major concern, underscoring the government's commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility.
President Dr Muizzu acknowledged that the biggest obstacle to emergency treatment is the challenge of transporting patients, adding that the introduction of sea ambulance service would directly address this. He confirmed that a dedicated sea ambulance would be stationed in Maavah, ensuring swifter response times for island residents. Beyond emergency transport, the government plans to elevate the Maavah health centre to hospital standards in the near future, he revealed.
President Dr Muizzu detailed the proposed upgrades, promising high quality healthcare improvement through an agreement to be signed this month. The new facility will include a four-bed ward, nurse station, public health unit, conference room, lab, laundry, vehicle garage, storage, with the project expected to commence before the end of the year, he explained.
Complementing these healthcare initiatives are broader development plans for Maavah. The President highlighted the ongoing land reclamation project, which will see an additional 15 hectares, bringing the total dredged area to 30 hectares. Additionally, a modern football ground will be included in next year's budget, and a housing project is assured for the island once the water and sewerage system is fully established.
Looking at the wider Laamu Atoll, President Muizzu revealed the government's vision for a new airport in the region, aimed at fostering long-term development, and affirmed efforts to boost tourism to ensure benefits for the atoll's residents.
The President during the visit witnessed the groundbreaking on a new police station, waste management centre, road modernisation and coastal protection project along with a Bank of Maldives (BML) branch, volleyball court and a fitness and recreation centre in Maavah. He also attended the ceremonies to sign the contracts on the Maavah school expansion and harbour upgrade projects.
Despite the extensive development plan for the island, the President took time to meet with members of the Maavah Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee (WDC), and heads of local institutions to discuss the island’s key development priorities.
During the discussion, council members outlined several major development priorities for the island, including the development of a football field as part of the land reclamation project, the improvement of the Health Centre, the provision of sea ambulance services, and the inclusion of Maavah in plans for the second airport in Laamu Atoll. They also requested the installation of buoys to facilitate sports fishing near the island.
President Dr Muizzu assured participants that the government would give due consideration to their concerns. He further noted that, from January next year, all health centres will have direct communication channels with the Ministry to enhance coordination and address local healthcare needs more effectively.
The President is on a three-day visit to the inhabited islands of Laamu Atoll.
The President’s itinerary includes visits to eleven islands including Isdhoo, Kalaidhoo, Dhanbidhoo, Maabaidhoo, Mundoo, Gan, Maavah, Fonadhoo, Maamendhoo, Hithadhoo, and Kunahandhoo.
This visit is part of the President’s nationwide initiative to visit all Maldivian atolls, strengthening direct engagement with atoll, island, and city councils to drive development across the country.