Cath lab services have been launched at Addu Equatorial Hospital, becoming the first such facility to be established outside the capital city of Male’.
The project fulfils a pledge by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, with building modifications and machinery installation completed as per the pledge. While services have commenced as a collaboration between Addu Equatorial Hospital and Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), seven patients have been treated at the facility so far.
Speaking at a press conference held regarding the service, Male’ City Group of Hospitals’ Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem said significant efforts were undertaken to launch the service. The new facility is operated under the supervision of 100 percent local doctors, he said. He emphasised that this is part of the government’s efforts to decentralise healthcare and make advanced treatment accessible to the public.
Addu Equatorial Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Yasir said a cathlab was established at the hospital in 2023, but services could not be launched. However, the service has now been launched with the efforts of the current government, with collaboration with IGMH helping it move forward. More joint work with IGMH is planned, he said.
Addu Equatorial Hospital’s Medical Director, Dr Fathmath Amany Naseer said one in five patients sent to Male’ from Addu in emergencies are patients with heart conditions. Around five patients a week are sent to Male’ or abroad for non-emergency cardiac care, she said. This data suggests that the new cath lab will bring significant direct and indirect benefits to patients and their families, she said.
While cath lab services are provided jointly with IGMH’s Cardiac Centre, IGMH’s specialists are currently involved in performing the surgeries. However, Addu Equatorial Hospital’s doctors and nurses will take over after receiving specialist training.