Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Male' City Group of Hospitals Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem, who also serves as the CEO of Dharumavantha Hospital, has stated that the bed count in government hospitals increased by only 130, in the past 29 years.
Speaking at the Parliament's Committee on Social Affairs, CEO Abdul Razzaq shed light on the challenges encountered by government hospitals, and the efforts undertaken by the government to address these issues. The CEO stressed that although the country's demographics drastically changed since 1995, the bed count has not been increased to meet the needs of the population. He revealed that while Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) had 186 beds in 1995, the current bed count for the hospitals in Male' City, Hulhumale' and Vilimale' was 316. The beds are utilised in emergencies, intensive care units (ICU), and to treat other patients. Abdul Razzaq stated that the lack of beds have led to several instances in which patients are treated in the emergency room.
Providing insight on the government's efforts to address the issue, Abdul Razzaq stated that 70 additional beds will be brought to IGMH by the end of this year. Highlighting the ongoing hospital development in Vilimale', he stated that the hospital will commence operations next year. He further noted that the project of upgrading IGMH and the development of a hospital to treat cancer patients will increase the bed count by 650 beds. The CEO also revealed plans to establish an additional building in the premises of Hulhumale' Hospital as well.