Minister of Health Abdulla Khaleel has announced that the air ambulance services will have the capacity to transport two patients simultaneously. The minister shared this information during a press conference organized by the Ministry of Health, highlighting the progress made in the first 14 weeks of the government.
Minister Khaleel explained that the ongoing efforts to initiate the air ambulance service primarily involve the installation of various equipment, and this phase is nearly complete. He added two aircraft will be utilised for the service, comprising a conventional aircraft and a seaplane suitable for landing at airports noting the seaplane offers the advantage of addressing emergency situations in islands without airports or located far from an airport.
The minister revealed that a Dash8 aircraft is currently being prepared to accommodate two patients, although it possesses the capacity for more. The air ambulance will be fully equipped with emergency facilities, including oxygen, ventilators, and emergency injections.
Highlighting cecessary equipment, including stretchers, will be installed to ensure optimal patient care, the minister said the aircraft can accommodate up to 38 people. The minister also informed that the air ambulance service has obtained clearance for flights to Sri Lanka, and approval for flights to other countries is being actively pursued. Fifteen employees, including five nurses, five doctors, and five technicians, have been recruited and are undergoing training in collaboration with the Maldives National University (MNU), he added.
The health ministty expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by Island Aviation Services Limited, Ooredoo, and Manta Air. The commencement of the air ambulance service is scheduled for tomorrow.