Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem has revealed two more hospitals will be upgraded to tertiary hospitals by February 2021.
Speaking at a programme aired on PSM News, Health Minister Naseem said one of the main targets of the government in the health sector is to decentralise the healthcare services of the country. In this regard, he noted the development of tertiary hospitals across the Maldives is essential to decentralise operations of the health sector. He added the health ministry will only act as a regulatory body after tertiary-level hospitals are developed and begin operating under an independent board.
The health minister revealed the projects to develop Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital and Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital as tertiary hospitals are expected to be completed early next year. He expressed belief the two hospitals will be able to begin its operations under an independent board by February next year.
The government has aimed to develop five hospitals across the Maldives as tertiary hospitals. The hospitals which are being upgraded to tertiary-level are Addu Equatorial Hospital, Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital, Gan Regional Hospital and Dr. Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital in Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
Addu Equatorial Hospital has already been upgraded to a tertiary hospital and has begun operations under an executive board.