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Vice President urges for more efforts to develop decentralised healthcare in the Maldives

Vice President Faisal Naseem has urged for more efforts to develop decentralised heathcare across the country to mitigate the need to travel abroad or to Male’ City to seek medical services. He made the remarks at a meeting held with the senior management of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), on August 23.

During the meeting, Vice President Faisal Naseem expressed his gratitude to the staff and senior management of IGMH for their tireless efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the growth of atoll hospitals, regional hospitals and tertiary hospitals during the pandemic, with the support of IGMH.

The vice president further stated better coordination was required to maintain and improve decentralised healthcare. He also emphasised the importance of being helpful, compassionate and caring to clients and patients in service delivery.

During the meeting, the senior officials of IGMH conveyed concerns and difficulties faced in managing the hospital, such as shortage of staff and financial challenges. They also shared information on their plans for service improvement, such as upgrading online services to reduce physical contact. Vice President Faisal Naseem assured that he would direct the relevant government agencies to resolve the issues raised.

Following the meeting, the vice president toured the IGMH Stroke Centre and Centre for Mental Health, speaking with the staff and inquiring about the most pertinent concerns at their respective centres.