Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen has stated necessary steps will be taken to increase the service hours of Innamaadhoo Health Centre in Raa Atoll.
Addressing the ceremony held to inaugurate the laboratory established in Innamaadhoo Health Centre, Health Minister Ameen stated the laboratory will ease attaining lab services to the residents of Innamaadhoo as well as nearby islands. The minister noted services such as complete blood count tests and bio-chemistry analysis will be provided from the laboratory. He expressed efforts will be exerted to increase the service hours of the health centre as requested by the residents.
Innamaadhoo Health Centre currently operates eight hours a day, in addition to emergency cases. The island has a population of 876 people.
Previously, residents sought laboratory services from Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital after travelling between 20 to 60 minutes by speed boat or ferry. There are four patients in Innamaadhoo seeking regular blood transfusions.
Currently, laboratory services are available in Ungoofaaru, Alifushi, Dhuvaafaru, Hulhudhuffaaru, Inguraidhoo, Maduvvari, Meedhoo and Rasgetheemu in Raa Atoll.