Developing public health infrastructure remains crucial to improving the standard of health care in the country, Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has said.
The lack of public health infrastructure has long hindered the standards of the health care in the Maldives, prompting the current Administration to upgrade and develop health care facilities throughout the island nation.
The government on Friday signed contracts with three different State-owned companies to develop health care facilities in 10 islands.
Speaking during the contract signing ceremony, Minister Nazim pointed out that run-down facilities due to lack of repair and investments have been consequential to the poor standards of healthcare especially in the Atolls.
“Under the directive of the President [Dr Mohamed Muizzu] we are working towards the development of such healthcare facilities. When these projects are completed, the healthcare system of Maldives, especially the people in the Atolls where these projects are being implemented, will see a positive change, he said.
The newest project will see the Road Development Corporation (RDC) construct two new hospitals in Velidhoo, Noonu Atoll and Fenfushi, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll with a combined investment of USD8.7 million. RDC has been tasked with completing both projects by 2027.
Fenaka Corporation Limited has signed the USD453,955 contract to develop an extension to the health center in Kudarikilu, Baa Atoll along with the construction of a similar building in Kondey, Gaaf Alifu Atoll for USD389,105.
Fenaka will also construct an extension to the health center in Nadellaa, Gaaf Dhaalu Atoll for the same project cost. The State-owned utility firm has been contracted to complete these three projects within a year.
Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) meanwhile has been tasked with the construction of new hospital buildings in four different islands including Milandhoo, Shaviyani Atoll, Thulusdhoo, Rasdhoo, Alif Alifu Atoll and Villingili, Gaaf Alifu Atoll for a combined cost of USD38.2 million.
In addition, the construction of the new extension building to the Nellaidhoo Health Center in Haa Dhaalu Atolls has also been awarded to MTCC for USD713,359.
The Managing Directors of all three companies, during the contract signing ceremony had assured to complete the projects on schedule.