State Trading Organisation (STO) has stated it has begun work to dispatch 20 new ambulances to the atolls.
Ministry of Health in June tasked STO to procure 96 ambulances needed in the atolls. As such, STO brought the first batch in October and the second batch in November. STO stated it is now working to procure the remaining 56 ambulances as part of the agreement.
The government revealed priority is given to islands facing the most difficulties due to the lack of ambulances. The new ambulances will be dispatched to 20 islands, mainly in Shaviyani Atoll, Noonu Atoll, Alifu Alifu Atoll, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Thaa Atoll, and Gaafu Alifu Atoll.
Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem had earlier stated that ambulances are expected to solve the challenges faced in providing health care services in the atolls. The minister highlighted ambulance services should be available on every inhabited island and said some islands have been unable to provide adequate emergency services due to the breakdown of the ambulances. He said the new ambulances will assist health professionals in providing emergency services following injuries or accidents in the atolls.