The Male’ City Group of Hospitals (MCGH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the Diagnostic Centre for Oncology Services (DCOS).
The centre is being developed to fulfil a presidential pledge by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu which was announced in this year’s presidential address. Radiation therapy will be introduced at the centre, a cancer treatment currently unavailable in the Maldives.
The MoU was signed with a joint venture between Quantum Heights Limited United Kingdom and N Vascular Technology Private Limited Republic of India. The agreement was signed on behalf of MCGH by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem, while the contractor was represented by its Chief Operating Officer and Director Chintan Soni. The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister of Health Geela Ali alongside other senior officials from the ministry and MCGH.
Speaking at the ceremony, Abdul Razzaq Haleem said the project aims to reduce overseas referrals by expanding access to specialised cancer diagnosis and treatment locally. He said under its health sector policies, the government is working to increase human resource capacity as well as the capacity to provide services using the latest technology. Despite anlready offering chemotherapy, he noted current limitations in local hospitals including radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, PET-CT.
Services will cover comprehensive cancer care process, including early diagnosis, chemotherapy, cancer surgery, inpatient care and emergency services. Advanced technology will be installed, including 3D conformal radiotherapy, IMRT and IGRT, alongside CT simulation and pathology services. Additionally inpatient wards, and a special operation threatre for cancer surgeries will be established.
The centre will also provide psychological and supportive care. Completion is targeted for 2028, with development planned in phases.