Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has successfully delivered ambulances to 56 islands nationwide, marking a pivotal step toward ensuring sustainable and accessible healthcare for island communities.
The nationwide rollout began on 17 January, with the first batch of ambulances dispatched from Male’ following an official handover ceremony where island representatives received the keys to the life-saving vehicles.
This ambitious project, launched under contractor finance, was awarded to MPL in 2025 at a total cost of USD 4.2 million, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening public health infrastructure. The initiative was a direct result of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s recent atoll visits, where he engaged with local institution heads and identified critical gaps in emergency response services, particularly the lack of reliable ambulance access in the Atolls.
In addition to distributing the new vehicles, MPL has taken comprehensive steps to ensure their long-term functionality. A dedicated mechanical team accompanied the deliveries, providing hands-on training to hospital and health centre staff on the operation, maintenance, and repair of the ambulances. The team also conducted assessments on existing ambulance fleets in several islands, diagnosing technical issues and offering immediate support to restore service.
One ambulance from the batch was officially handed over to the Maldives Correctional Service to enhance emergency response within detention facilities, while the remainder were strategically distributed across the northern and southern Atolls. MPL confirmed that the entire delivery process was completed by 14 February.
MPL is currently in active discussions with the Ministry of Health to establish a formal maintenance framework, including routine servicing and a reliable supply chain for spare parts, ensuring the ambulances remain operational for years to come.
This effort aligns with broader national health goals, as the Ministry of Health has also announced plans to deploy an additional 31 ambulances to underserved islands and introduce 10 paramedic-equipped units in the Greater Male’ region and other cities this year.