Ministry of Health has stated all health centres in the Maldives will soon include facilities specialised in treating patients with infectious diseases.
Speaking to PSM News, Quality Assurance Commissioner Thasleema Usman said the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for the health sector to have specialised pathways to treat individuals with infectious diseases. As such, she said the infrastructure development projects at the health centres will include the establishment of specialised facilities, which are also expected to optimise the use of human resources at the centres.
The health ministry has established COVID-19 facilities across the Maldives, but the country does not have facilities specialised in isolating and treating patients with other communicable diseases, and such patients are currently treated at the wards in hospitals and health centres.
Additionally, Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem noted the development of health services at tertiary hospitals including the capacity to conduct major operations in Kulhudhuffushi City, Addu City, and Laamu Atoll. He said the developments in the health sector has increased public trust and that the government is continuously working to expand health services in all parts of the country. He added the development of the national high-speed ferry service will ease travel for patients as well.