Ministry of Health has revealed efforts are underway to send 15 ambulances to the atolls as part of efforts to expand emergency health care services across the country.
Since ambulance services are one of the most important means of providing emergency health care, many islands have shared complaints with the health ministry regarding the unused and damaged ambulances in the hospitals and health centres. In efforts to solve such issues, a project was launched in June last year to provide ambulances to the atolls.
Under the project, procurement of 96 ambulances was contracted to State Trading Organisation (STO). So far, STO has brought 75 ambulances to the Maldives. The health ministry stated efforts are underway to send 15 ambulances to the islands from the last batch of ambulances procured by STO.
The new ambulances will be provided to Thuraakunu and Vashafaru in Haa Alifu Atoll, Kulhudhuffushi City in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Kurendhoo in Lhaviyani Atoll, Kaashidhoo in Kaafu Atoll, Feridhoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll, Mulah in Meemu Atoll, Meedhoo and Maaenboodhoo in Dhaalu Atoll, Maabaidhoo and Gan in Laamu Atoll, Maamendhoo in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Vaadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and Hulhumale' Hospital.
The government has expanded its efforts to strengthen the health system in the atolls and prevent them from travelling to Male' City for medical treatment unless necessary. As such, efforts are underway to develop tertiary hospitals in five regions and several projects are currently underway to renovate and develop the hospitals and health centres in the atolls.