The Maldives has one of the highest rates of obesity relative to its population size and ranks among countries with a high prevalence of diabetes. Coupled with increasingly sedentary lifestyles, these factors have contributed to a growing burden of cardiovascular disease across all age groups.
For many years, heart disease was among the leading reasons patients were referred overseas for treatment. Many lives were also placed at risk because emergency cardiac procedures, including treatment for heart attacks, were unavailable in the country. That situation has changed significantly over the past decade.
Despite the challenges involved in establishing specialised cardiac services, it has now been 10 years since cardiac care was introduced in the Maldives, with treatment covered under the Aasandha universal health insurance scheme. Since the establishment of the National Cardiac Centre in 2016, the facility has been providing advanced cardiac care to patients across the country.
The centre now offers a wide range of specialised services, including the treatment of complications caused by coronary artery disease, coronary angiography, coronary stenting, closure of congenital heart defects and pacemaker implantation for patients with abnormal heart rhythms. It also provides advanced diagnostic imaging to assess blood vessels and detect fatty deposits around the heart, as well as procedures to restore blood flow through blocked arteries.
Speaking about ongoing developments at the centre, Dr Mohamed Shaneez said new equipment would further enhance the quality of care available to patients.
"In previous years, we used IVUS (Intravascular Ultrasound) and OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography). However, with the direct support of the government and the President, God willing, we will receive the latest versions of both Intravascular Ultrasound and OCT this year," Dr Shaneez said.
The National Cardiac Centre has also established a dedicated pacemaker clinic to provide specialised follow-up care for patients with implanted devices. The clinic monitors pacemaker battery life, ensures devices are functioning correctly and adjusts programming where necessary. Between 500 and 600 patients receive care through the clinic each year.
As demand for cardiac services continues to increase, efforts are underway to expand the centre's capacity by providing additional space. At the same time, the National Cardiac Centre is working to decentralise cardiac services by strengthening regional hospitals.
As part of these efforts, advanced cardiac treatment has been introduced in Addu City, marking the first time major cardiac services have been made available outside Malé. Work is continuing to further expand services in the southern city.
From its beginnings amid considerable challenges, the National Cardiac Centre has evolved into one of the most advanced specialised healthcare facilities in the Maldives. Its establishment has significantly reduced the number of patients who need to travel overseas for cardiac treatment while improving access to life-saving care within the country.