Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has stated that, under the government’s decentralisation policy, health services will be implemented with a focus on accessibility for residents rather than island population size.
He made these remarks during the inauguration of Phase Three of development at Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, where new services were introduced.
Minister Nazim said that by the end of his five-year term, President Mohamed Muizzu aims to steer the health sector in a new direction. He emphasised that the most important factor is the consistent implementation of these health policies.
He highlighted two major government initiatives. The first is the establishment of dialysis services across 10 islands, with plans for further expansion. The Minister noted that this would ease the burden on residents who currently have to travel by sea to access dialysis treatment.
“These services are presently available in areas with larger populations. We are working to extend them to mid-sized populations and prioritise regions where such illnesses are on the rise,” Minister Nazim said.
The second key initiative is the introduction of laboratory services on all inhabited islands, regardless of population size. He noted that 16 islands have already begun offering these services.
“For residents of smaller communities, travelling to larger islands has long been a significant hardship. When the President visits islands, he does not speak about large bridges or major projects, but about the challenges people face. He has pledged that by the end of 2026, laboratory services will be available on every island,” the Minister added.
With the Local Council elections approaching, Minister Nazim stressed that councils play a vital role as the first tier of service delivery under a decentralised system. He noted that delays in implementing such policies have contributed to the lack of laboratory and dialysis services in many areas, underscoring the need to support local governance that effectively carries out policy.
He added that progress must not be disrupted by actions driven by political gain, and urged that political efforts be undertaken with the interests of the entire nation in mind.