Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen has revealed the administration aims to train over 1,200 taxi drivers as part of the First Responder Training Programme. The health minister made the statement while addressing the function to launch the First Responder Training Programme aimed to enhance the emergency care and paramedic services in Maldives. The First Responder Training Programme was launched by acting Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed.
Addressing the ceremony, Health Minister Abdulla Ameen noted taxi drivers have been in the forefront by providing assistance when an incident take place on the road. Noting taxi drivers could play an important role in providing a first response in road accidents, the health minister expressed taxi drivers have been fulfilling an important duty to the nation. He also noted initiatives such as the First Responder Training Programme will further boost healthcare sector in the country.
Furthermore, the minister revealed taxi drivers and ambulance drivers will be trained in internationally approved emergency care methods. He added the administration will also advance the sea ambulance services provided across the country as part of the efforts to enhance the emergency care and paramedic services.
20 taxi drivers will attend the two-day training programme held at ADK Hospital, according to the Ministry of Health. The ministry also revealed that although the programme is launched in Male' City, the programme will also be conducted in the islands.