Chemotherapy services for cancer patients have been launched at Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital, marking a further expansion of cancer treatment services outside Malé City.
This becomes the third hospital outside the capital to offer chemotherapy services in the Maldives. Statistics show that Raa Atoll has the fourth-highest number of registered cancer patients in the country.
According to Aasandha statistics, cancer remains the leading chronic illness for which Maldivians seek treatment abroad, highlighting the need to strengthen domestic cancer treatment services. As part of efforts to decentralise healthcare services, chemotherapy services have now been introduced at Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital.
To facilitate the service, the hospital has trained nursing staff with the assistance of the Oncology Department of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). Two nurses have already completed training, and a dedicated chemotherapy room has been established, allowing chemotherapy sessions for two patients at a time.
The hospital has also opened registration for patients wishing to undergo chemotherapy. Patients are advised to contact the hospital in advance to arrange the necessary medication, as chemotherapy treatment plans vary depending on the type of cancer and individual patient needs. The hospital requires sufficient time to source required medication from overseas.
Patients currently receiving chemotherapy elsewhere or preparing to begin treatment have been urged to inform the hospital accordingly.
According to Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital statistics, there are currently 58 patients undergoing cancer treatment in the atoll.
As the hospital does not yet have an oncologist on site, it is working in collaboration with the Oncology Department of IGMH. In cases requiring urgent specialist care, arrangements will be made to transfer patients to Malé as quickly as possible.
Statistics from Hulhumalé Hospital show that Raa Atoll ranks fourth nationally in the number of registered cancer patients. National data further indicates that, after the Malé region, the highest number of cancer patients is recorded in Addu City, followed by Shaviyani Atoll.
The Maldives’ first chemotherapy service was launched in 2014. The first chemotherapy service outside the capital began in 2020 at Lhaviyani Atoll Hospital in Naifaru. By 2023, chemotherapy services were further expanded to Dr Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital.