Spokesperson at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) Mohamed Mabrook Azeez has stated the trust of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in healthcare workers was key to containing COVID-19 in the Maldives.
Speaking exclusively to PSM News, the spokesperson said listening to healthcare workers was key to flattening the curve of the people getting infected with COVID-19. He said the decision of President Solih to allow healthcare workers to have the final say on pandemic containment measures also showed his integrity and honesty.
Mabrook added despite political and various other pressures and challenging economic times, the president put forward saving the lives of Maldivians first. He said he was both proud and happy to work with a president who listened to experts amidst a global pandemic that has caused health systems in many countries to collapse.
Speaking on the impact of the pandemic, the spokesperson said the Maldives, like many other countries, has been significantly affected and the economy has been badly hit with many people losing their jobs. He remarked the impact could have been worse, should authorities and experts did not collaborate and work towards mitigating the spread of COVID-19, also considering the limited facilities and resources available in the country, as compared to the developed world.
In addition, Mabrook remarked the establishment of beds in incentive care units (ICU) and quarantine facilities in islands outside the Greater Male' Region. Stating the government was well prepared to attend to a larger community spread, Mabrook said the administration is still working to increase its capacity and facilities. He stated the country has acquired sufficient medical supplies and facilities since the outbreak and applauded the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders who contributed to containing the spread of the virus in the Maldives.