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Facilities in islands should not only be developed for island communities: Health Minister

Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen has stated the facilities and services provided must be developed in islands not just for the communities for the islands, but also to the people which travels to those islands. The health minister made the remarks at the ceremony held to conclude the Dengue Prevention Vector Control and Management Workshop for healthcare workers and council staff held in Eydhafushi in Baa Atoll.

During the ceremony, the health minister said for a successful community-based vector control interventions and prevention of dengue all sectors, community groups and organizations need to work together.

Speaking to PSM News after the function, the minister said it is important to know the population when developing the services. For example, noting the health services provided in Dharavandhoo in Baa Atoll, the minister said the island is the main gateway of Baa atoll and several improvements must be brought to the health services in the island. He expressed if the services are developed only for the living population of the island, the services cannot be sustained. Noting there are challenges in providing health services in all parts of the country, Minister Ameen said one of the biggest challenge is attaining necessary medicine, lack of staff and services.

During the visit to Baa Atoll, Minister met with staff of Baa Atoll Hospital and senior management.