The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Male’ City Group of Hospitals, Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem has said the government is actively strengthening the national health system.
He made the remarks while speaking at the inauguration of the National Centre for Neuroscience and Stroke.
As part of the efforts to strengthen the health system, the government has been introducing new services while also expanding existing services, including extending services available in Male’ to the atolls. The government describes these improvements as evidence of an enhanced health system.
Haleem announced plans to expand services at the main government hospitals, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and Dharumavantha Hospital this year. Planned developments include establishing a second Urban Primary Health Care Centre in Male, relocating the phlebotomy and lab blood collection service to the ground floor. While introducing a Tempus blood sample collection and transport system is also planned, IGMH wards will also be redesigned to improve patient experience.
According to Haleem, major service expansions at Dharumavantha Hospital include establishing a cath lab, strengthening the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) developing the National Cardiac Centre, and introducing services such as cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, interventional radiology, gastro ERCP, and general robotic surgery. Furthermore, expanding ophthalmology services, establishing a surgical navigation system is also part of the plan.
The government says one of its key policies is to expand major health services to the atolls and reduce the need for Maldivians to travel abroad for medical treatment. Over the past two years, various new services have been launched and existing treatments have been expanded as part of this policy.