Nolhivaranfaru Health Centre has opened its new laboratory facility.
Minister of State for Health Ahmed Adil inaugurated the laboratory facility in a special ceremony held at the health centre in Nolhivaranfaru, Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Manager of the health centre Hussain Afeef said 57 types of tests can be conducted at the new laboratory facility. He detailed the available laboratory services at the facility include various types of tests to measure heart and kidney functions as well as blood and electrolyte tests. He added that lipid profile diagnostic testing will begin at the laboratory in December.
Also at the ceremony, State Minister Adil said the government aims to eliminate the reliance on Male' City for medical treatment by expanding and developing healthcare services in the atolls. As such, he said the government is working on developing tertiary hospitals in five regions in the country.
Furthermore, State Minister Adil said the government is in discussions with Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital to further expand the services at the Nolhivaranfaru Health Centre. He also expanded on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's efforts to develop the country despite the difficulties faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The residents at Nolhivaranfaru have said the services introduced in the laboratory facility will eliminate the need to travel outside the island to seek such services.