Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem has revealed that the development of new hospitals and health centres will begin in the first quarter of 2023.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister Naseem said that tendering stage for the projects will conclude this month. The projects include the development of five tertiary hospitals as well as 50-bed and 30-bed hospitals and health centres in various parts of the country. Many of the projects are nearing the fieldwork stage.
In his interview, Minister Naseem highlighted that it takes two years to develop a tertiary hospital and that the government’s first priority is to improve existing hospitals by increasing space and resources and developing extension buildings. He said that some of the services can be later transferred to the new hospitals after they are developed.
Furthermore, Minister Naseem noted the high cost of developing hospitals and that the development of the new hospitals and health centres is being funded by loans, financial assistance, and the state budget. He detailed that it includes the credit facility from the Exim Bank of India, as well as loan assistance from the World Bank and Deutsche Bank.
The health ministry has announced plans to develop 30-bed hospitals in 15 islands and has opened bidding for seven of the islands. They are Hanimaadhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Milandhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Velidhoo in Noonu Atoll, Thulusdhoo in Kaafu Atoll, Maamigili in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Felidhoo in Vaavu Atoll and Vilufushi in Thaa Atoll.
Development of 50-bed hospitals has been planned for Dhidhdhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll, Funadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Manadhoo in Noonu Atoll, Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll, Hinnavaru in Lhaviyani Atoll, Rasdhoo in Alifu Alifu Atoll, Mahibadhoo in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Villingili in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and Fuvahmulah City.
Additionally, 100-bed tertiary hospitals are being developed in Kulhudhuffushi in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Ungoofaaru in Raa Atoll, Gan in Laamu Atoll, Thinadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and Hithadhoo in Addu City. Around USD4.7 million has been allocated in the 2023 state budget to complete the remaining work.
Meanwhile, the development of new health centres has been planned for Kelaa in Haa Alifu Atoll, Goidhoo, Kanditheemu and Maaungoodhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Inguraidhoo in Raa Atoll, Kamadhoo in Baa Atoll, Gaafaru in Kaafu Atoll, Thoddoo and Ukulhas in Alifu Alifu Atoll, and Feeali in Faafu Atoll.