In a landmark achievement for the nation's healthcare decentralisation, Addu Equatorial Hospital (AEH), in collaboration with the National Cardiac Center, has successfully commenced advanced treatment for heart diseases, bringing critical, time-sensitive cardiac care to the southern region for the first time.
The breakthrough was achieved during a special medical tour from 31 March to 2 April, which saw the historic launch of primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) services—a vital procedure to open blocked arteries during a heart attack. This immediate intervention drastically improves survival rates and patient outcomes. Beyond this, the visiting specialist team introduced other essential cardiac services, including the installation of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs) and permanent pacemakers.
The tour’s impact was immediate and profound, with medical teams performing a total of 11 angiograms and six angioplasties, delivering vital lifesaving treatments to local patients.
This initiative is a cornerstone of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s policy to decentralise high-quality health services and ensure citizens receive specialist care as close to home as possible.
The establishment of these advanced cardiac services at AEH signifies a monumental shift for the residents of the southern atolls. It dramatically reduces the need for emergency medical evacuations to Male’ or overseas, ensuring prompt and efficient treatment for heart conditions, ultimately saving lives and strengthening the entire healthcare framework of the Maldives.