Ministry of Health has announced the development of 26 hospitals across the Maldives this year.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem stated the government plans to begin numerous projects to develop the health sector this year, including 28 infrastructure projects. As such, Minister Naseem highlighted the progress in developing the country's health sector and said atoll hospitals are now capable of conducting major operations.
He said the government is continuously working to supply the necessary equipment and resources to the hospitals and health centres, which has resulted in fewer citizens needing to travel to Male' City for healthcare services.
Detailing the planned projects, Minister Naseem said the government will be using the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to develop hospitals in Hanimadhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Milandhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Velidhoo in Noonu Atoll, and Maamigili in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll this year. He added hospitals will also be developed from the Kuwait Fund in Kulhudhuffushi City in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Thulusdhoo in Kaafu Atoll, Feridhoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll, Rasdhoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll, Vilufushi in Thaa Atoll, Thinadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, and Fuvahmulah City.
Furthermore, Minister Naseem said the development of hospitals in Haa Alifu Atoll, Noonu Atoll, and Lhaviyani Atoll will begin under a contractor finance policy. He said the development of hospitals in Dhidhdhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll, Alifushi in Raa Atoll, Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll, and Villingili in Gaafu Alifu Atoll will be funded using the loan assistance from EXIM Bank of India.
He also said the development of a tertiary hospital in Gan in Laamu Atoll, and a hospital in Gahdhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll will be funded by a loan from Deutsche Bank. He added the government will fund the development of hospitals in Hoarafushi in Haa Alifu Atoll, Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll, and Meedhoo, Raa Atoll from the state budget.
The government has also planned the development of a hospital in Funadhoo, Shaviyani Atoll.