The administration is actively implementing measures to address the extensive queues for doctor consultations at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), the nation's principal public healthcare facility, according to Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the Minister of Health. The minister has announced initiatives aimed at reducing waiting times, including the introduction of evening Out-Patient Department (OPD) services.
Currently, IGMH offers OPD services exclusively in the morning. Speaking on the Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu (DRA) programme 'Ahaashey Bunaanan', Minister Nazim attributed the prolonged queues to a shortage of specialist doctors and inadequate space. He further highlighted that certain surgeries face delays due to the unavailability of theatre space or hospital beds.
To address these challenges, the administration has embarked on several initiatives, he said. A project to add 75 beds to IGMH is underway, and discussions with medical professionals are being conducted to identify strategies for queue reduction. A key focus of these consultations is the feasibility of extending OPD services into the evening.
The administration is considering providing additional allowances beyond regular salaries to facilitate this extension, Minister Nazim revealed. He recently convened with the senior medical team at IGMH to assess the queue situation and explore potential solutions. While some departments experience significant queues in four or five areas, others report no queues at all, he explained.
"Expanding IGMH's operating hours is merely the initial step. Broader systemic improvements are essential to enhance access to facilities and medical professionals. Introducing an allowance system will ensure fair compensation for the additional contributions of healthcare workers," Minister Nazim stated.
A cornerstone of the strategy to alleviate queues, according to the minister, involves the expansion and enhancement of services at regional hospitals across the atolls. This includes broadening the availability of sub-specialist services at all existing regional hospitals, he said.
Minister Nazim outlined plans to elevate hospitals in Kulhudhuffushi in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Ungoofaaru in Raa Atoll, Thinadhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Gan in Laamu Atoll, and Addu City to tertiary-level facilities with integrated sub-specialist services. "Decentralisation is expected to significantly improve access to sub-specialist care across the atolls, thereby reducing pressure on the main hospital in Malé by streamlining demand and alleviating queues," he elaborated.
The administration is also working to establish four general practice clinics in various areas of Malé. These clinics aim to manage common illnesses, thereby redirecting patient flow away from IGMH and contributing further to queue reduction at the main hospital. Minister Nazim expressed confidence that these collective efforts, if successfully implemented, would result in a substantial reduction in waiting times.