Health Minister Abdulla Nazim has announced that dialysis services will be established across all atolls in the Maldives by the end of September, as part of the government’s broader policy to decentralize healthcare services and ensure equitable access nationwide.
In an interview with state media PSM, Minister Nazim stated that the initiative aligns with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to extend services available in the capital Male’ to the atolls. According to the Minister, dialysis services are already operational in the majority of atolls, with only a few remaining—AA., ADh., V., M., F., and Dh. atolls—where efforts are currently underway to launch the service.
He further noted that dialysis services will be expanded to additional islands within atolls that have a high concentration of patients in need of the treatment.
Recent additions to the national dialysis network include facilities at N. Velidhoo Health Center, M. Muli Regional Hospital, Th. Atoll Hospital, and GA. Atoll Hospital.
Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment required for individuals with kidney failure whose renal function has dropped below critical levels. The treatment is typically administered three times a week, with each session lasting about four hours to cleanse the patient's blood of waste and toxins.
The move is part of the government’s larger strategy to bridge the healthcare gap between Male’ and the outer islands, ensuring that patients requiring regular treatments such as dialysis no longer have to travel long distances for access.