MVR800 million to be invested in 10 hospitals

The government is planning to invest MVR800 million (US$51.8m) to further develop 10 hospitals across the country, the ministry of health has announced.

Speaking at a press conference at the president’s office on Sunday, Health Minister Abdulla Ameen told reporters that work had already started on five of the 10 hospitals. MVR480 million will be spent on the redevelopment, he said.

The five hospitals being prioritised for development are the regional hospitals in Haa Dhaalu atoll, Raa atoll, Laamu atoll and Addu City, and Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital in Gaafu Dhaalu atoll.

Ameen said that positive changes will be visible within the next five months. “The work has started to ensure all the needs for these five hospitals are met,” he said.

The redevelopment will include the purchase of medical and laboratory equipment and hiring specialist medical practitioners. The goal of the government is to introduce different specialty services across these hospitals to limit the dependence on the main public hospital in the capital.

According to the statistics shared by the ministry, every day 7,000 people consult doctors in the country.

On Saturday, the ministry also announced that a blood donor’s database will be introduced before the new year.