Laboratory services have been launched in Utheemu and Vashafaru of Haa Alifu Atoll.
The service was inaugurated in both islands by Minister of Health Abdullah Nazim Ibrahim, in separate ceremonies held on both islands.
Laboratory services are a basic healthcare need, and the government is working to make it available across all islands. The government aims to establish the service in 76 islands where service is currently not available, by the end of this year. Utheemu and Vashafaru are the 15th and 16th islands to receive the service.
The laboratory service will facilitate early detection of some diseases and will further strengthen the government's efforts to build a healthy generation.
The Utheemu Health Centre, with a four-bed capacity, is open 16 hours a day. The main challenge for the residents of Utheemu have been the inability to access laboratory testing on the island, requiring samples to be sent elsewhere or patients to travel. Currently, samples are sent to neighbouring Dhidhdhoo Hospital for testing.
In Vashafaru, following the service inauguration, the Health Minister met with the island health centre’s senior management team to discuss their concerns and explore solutions.