In a rapid expansion of public healthcare services, the Male City Group of Hospitals (MCGH) has provided optical services to 3,200 people and produced 2,000 free pairs of eyeglasses in less than 45 days.
The new optical outlets, located at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and Hulhumale Hospital, were established to combat the high cost of glasses in the private market, following a presidential directive.
MCGH CEO Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem spoke with PSM News about the high demand for the new service.
"We know this is a service that people want, but we didn't expect people to need it so much," he said, noting the initiative aims to provide more affordable eyewear.
The optical outlet at IGMH opened on 27 July, and the Hulhumale Hospital branch followed on 27 August.
In less than 45 days, 3,200 people received optical services, and 2,000 pairs of glasses were produced for free, according to Abdul Razzaq, while over 900 pairs of glasses are awaiting collection, with another 1,200 pairs in production at the IGMH outlet.
Some delays are occurring due to the need to import specific lenses, he added.
In response to the overwhelming demand, an additional lens-making machine has been installed at the IGMH location, which is expected to double the current daily output of 35 to 40 lenses.
The successful launch of the optical shops in the capital is part of a broader government strategy to establish similar facilities in all tertiary hospitals across the country. Plans are already underway to open optical outlets at the Addu Equatorial Hospital in Addu City and the Regional Hospital in Kulhudhuffushi City, aiming to ensure equitable access to affordable vision care throughout the Maldives.