The government’s domestically operated air ambulance service has incurred a total expenditure of USD 7.4 million since its launch last year, according to figures released by the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA).
The substantial investment as the incumbent administration marks its two year anniversary, underscores the rapid scaling and operational intensity of the programme designed to provide swift aerial medical transport across the Maldivian archipelago.
The service, which was officially inaugurated on 1 March last year, was introduced to create a self-sufficient system for transporting critical patients by air.
A breakdown of the NSPA’s figures highlights a significant increase in spending year-over-year. Last year, the service utilised USD 1.9 million. However, operational costs have surged dramatically this year, with USD 5.5 million already spent, indicating a major expansion in the frequency and reach of the life-saving flights.
The air ambulance service was launched with the goal of ensuring national capability and efficiency in medical evacuations. The government demonstrated high preparedness from the outset, ensuring that dedicated aircrafts and support infrastructure are always on standby to facilitate immediate patient transfers.
Historically, the Maldives relied heavily on external support for critical aerial transfers, often utilising helicopters gifted by the Indian government or existing Maldivian commercial aircrafts.
The incumbent administration’s vision in establishing this dedicated service was not only to guarantee consistent, rapid transport capability but also to foster greater local involvement in operating these specialised vessels, solidifying national control over critical health logistics.