Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has revealed that discussions are ongoing to extend the main government hospital, Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH)’s outpatient department (OPD) hours.
Speaking on a programme aired by the state media, Minister Nazim said similar to Maldives, patients have to wait in queues for several months to see specialist doctors in some countries. Nazim emphasised that steps should be taken to reduce the queue to see doctors in the Maldives by increasing the number of doctors and facilities. Nazim said while some departments of the IGMH have long queues, others have no queues.
“We are now discussing how we can run the IGMH OPD in the evening as well,” Nazim said.
The minister said discussions are underway with all relevant parties, noting that salary and allowance structures will have to be reviewed to achieve this.
Minister Nazim noted the current government has already extended the OPD hours of regional hospitals to two shifts. He stated the lack of doctors and space constraints poses challenges to meeting patient demand, adding that surgeries sometimes have to be postponed due to lack of operating theater and bed space.