A specialised mental health clinic being developed in Thinadhoo City is expected to be completed and begin services within this year, according to Chief Executive Officer of Dr Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital, Ahmed Ashraf.
In an interview with PSM News, Ashraf said the initiative forms part of efforts to upgrade healthcare services in line with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision of advancing the hospital to tertiary-level care.
He noted that demand for mental health services is increasing across Huvadhoo Atoll, with particularly high rates reported in Thinadhoo City.
“Records show that Thinadhoo City has alarming rates of mental health problems. Therefore, what we are doing now is establishing a specialised facility to address these issues,” he said, adding that many patients, including schoolchildren, are currently seeking such services.
Ashraf said construction work on the facility has already begun and is being carried out in phases to accelerate completion. He added that efforts are also underway to recruit specialist doctors to deliver the services.
“We are working to initiate services within this year. Construction has begun, and we have divided the work into phases to speed up the process. Services will begin with the completion of the first phase, supported by specialist doctors,” he said.
The project aims to improve access to mental health care for residents of Huvadhoo Atoll, particularly those in Thinadhoo City.