Ministry of Health has revealed that the National Health Laboratory and Central Vaccine Storage Facility services will be available next year. The health ministry stated that funds have been allocated to begin the projects.
Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) is authorised to conduct tests and evaluations for the health sector but the authority has been facing difficulties in providing its services due to the large workload and the challenges in introducing new services. The government decided to establish the National Health Laboratory in Hulhumale’ to resolve these issues.
Minister of State for Health Ahmed Adil said the ministry has received the funds and the land plot to establish the National Health Laboratory and that USD20 million from the European Investment Bank (EIB) has been allocated for the project, which aims to expand laboratory services. He said the project is currently in the design stage.
The National Health Laboratory will be used to test food and chemicals. Currently the tests are being conducted at the ministry’s laboratory in Roshanee Building, and tests that cannot be done at the laboratory are sent abroad.
Furthermore, State Minister Adil said the Central Vaccine Storage Facility will also be established in Hulhumale’, to be used for storage of vaccines, consumables, and medicine needed for the health sector. He said USD4.9 million will be spent on the project with financial assistance from Asian Development Bank (ADB). He added that a local consultant has been hired for the development of the six-storey building.