Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer has revealed the state expects to spend about USD 103 million on the health sector following the spread of COVID-19 in the Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference held at National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), Finance Minister Ameer said the state is undertaking large expenses in the efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. As such, the minister said expenses are being undertaken to impose the required health measures, prepare healthcare facilities, arrange testing mechanisms, provide protective equipment, and ensure the provision of food and other basic supplies. He said the total expenditure on the health sector is expected to reach USD 103 million in 2020.
The finance minister noted the recent addition of USD 14.9 million to the budget of the Ministry of Health was made upon request by Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen and the Director-General of Public Health Maimoona Abubakuru. Noting the community spread of COVID-19 will significantly increase the expenses, the minister said further additions will be made from the contingency budget for COVID-19-related expenses.
As part of the efforts against COVID-19, the government has been working to bring in the required medical supplies and equipment for healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the government is also working on increasing the number of quarantine and isolation facilities across the country.