Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has stated that the establishment of the National Health Laboratory will be a pivotal project in strengthening the operations of the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA).
During a press conference held at the President's Office, the Minister shared information regarding the efforts being made to enhance the functions of the MFDA and the overall health sector.
Minister Nazim emphasised that the most significant advancement for the MFDA during this year and the next will be the development of the National Health Laboratory. He noted that this project is expected to bring transformative changes to the existing system within the next two years. The Minister said that the National Health Laboratory is currently located within the Ministry of Health's building, which is not the most suitable environment for such a facility.
"The current space is limited, and there are significant challenges in installing the necessary resources and equipment. To overcome these obstacles, the government is proceeding with the construction of the National Health Laboratory under a loan agreement with the European Investment Bank. This is a USD 25 million project," the Minister stated.
Minister Nazim stated that the feasibility study for the National Laboratory project, which was awarded to Germany’s GITECH Consulting Group for USD 1.2 million, is now largely complete. He noted that the project is currently in the design phase, and the tender for the construction contract is expected to be announced in June or July of this year.
The Minister further shared that a 26,000 sqft plot of land has been allocated in Hulhumalé for this purpose. The laboratory complex will consist of two separate buildings: a nine-story structure and a three-story structure. One building will be dedicated to the administrative and technical operations of the MFDA, while the other will function as a specialised facility for laboratory services.
Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim highlighted that this laboratory will significantly expand the nation's capacity to conduct analytical testing to ensure the safety of both imported and exported food products. Additionally, he emphasised that the facility will create valuable opportunities for health sector research and will also house the National Influenza Centre. The Minister concluded by noting that the laboratory will be developed to international standards with state-of-the-art equipment, facilitating the introduction of various essential modern services.