President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that efforts to establish radiation chambers and a diagnostic centre for cancer detection and treatment will commence in the middle of this year.
The President made these remarks this morning whilst delivering the Presidential Address at the first sitting of the first session of the 20th People's Majlis for the year.
The President indicated that practical work will also begin this year on the 100-bed tertiary hospital in Vilimalé, a grant project under Chinese aid, and on phase two of the 500-bed multi-specialty hospital in Hulhumalé.
He further announced that construction will commence this year on a 250-bed multi-specialty tertiary hospital as an extension to Hulhumalé Hospital. The extension will feature MRI facilities, urology services — including urodynamic services — an endoscopy suite, CXL surgical services, expanded ophthalmology services, and a dental laboratory.
Additionally, a separate cathlab will be established at Dharumavantha Hospital, with expanded services for the National Cardiac Centre, he revealed. The President also announced that the “National Centre for Neuroscience and Stroke” will open in the coming week, advancing care for neurological cases across the country.
Reflecting on efforts to address the long-standing challenges faced by thalassaemia patients, the President noted that patient care has been relocated to Orange Hiyaa, where improved and advanced services are now provided. A monthly allowance of MVR 2,000 will also be introduced this year for these patients.
The President highlighted work carried out to address fertility issues, noting that treatments for conditions such as endometriosis and PCOS are now covered under the Aasandha health insurance scheme, enabling more individuals to access care. Since the introduction of IVF and IUI services, 68 individuals have received treatment, resulting in 23 successful cases.
He described this as a historic achievement in addressing a major health challenge in the Maldives, enabling individuals to access cost-effective treatments and complete them at home. He added that the Administration has contributed MVR 30 million to the Fertility Care Fund, with proceeds benefiting families and resulting in the birth of 20 babies through the initiative. He further stated that 35 couples will be eligible for IVF through the fund this year.
Investing in the development of healthcare sector workers has also been a top priority, with employment secured for 669 individuals in the atolls and 1,042 in the Malé Group of Hospitals. The President noted that, to date, a total of 1,711 healthcare workers have been employed, with an additional 1,957 positions to be filled across health centres, hospitals, and services set to launch this year.