With Hospital and Recreation Centre, President Muizzu Underscores Commitment to Public Well-Being in Manadhoo and Across Noonu Atoll

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday attended the inauguration of a series of infrastructure projects in Noonu Atoll, signalling a renewed governmental focus on expanding healthcare access and promoting public well-being. The initiatives, centred on the construction of a 50-bed hospital and a government-backed fitness and recreation centre in Manadhoo, form part of a broader strategy to strengthen essential services across the country.

The visit to Manadhoo is part of the president’s official tour of 13 islands in Noonu Atoll, aimed at advancing development efforts and engaging with local communities.

Hospital Project Breaks Ground in Manadhoo

A key highlight of the tour was the groundbreaking ceremony for the new hospital in Manadhoo, a USD 12.12 million project scheduled for completion within 780 days. Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim and Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Saudhee laid the ceremonial foundation stone, joined by Member of Parliament Husnee Mubarik and Council President Abdurahman Sobeeh.

Designed to serve approximately 3,000 residents of Manadhoo, along with others in the surrounding region, the facility is expected to reduce reliance on inter-island travel and provide access to modern medical services within the community.

Govt Plans Expansion of Atoll Hospital Services

The hospital’s construction aligns with the administration’s broader healthcare agenda. In an interview with PSM News, Health Minister Nazim reaffirmed plans to expand services at Noonu Atoll Hospital, citing strong public demand and President Muizzu’s vision for elevated care standards.

The minister outlined a national policy to upgrade regional hospitals to tertiary-level facilities and enhance service offerings at atoll hospitals. Psychiatry, physiotherapy, and speech therapy are among the services prioritised for development, he said.

Interim Services to Be Introduced During Construction

Addressing residents of Manadhoo earlier, President Muizzu confirmed that while the new hospital is under construction, enhanced services, including physiotherapy, mental health care, and speech therapy, would be introduced at the hospital. Recruitment of technical staff is already underway, he added.

The president also noted that the past eighteen months have seen sustained efforts to reinforce the health system, with several projects nearing completion and additional initiatives set to begin.

Fitness and Recreation Centre Launched in Manadhoo

The president’s tour also included the launch of a new fitness and recreation centre, part of the government’s investment in sports and wellness infrastructure. Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu laid the ceremonial foundation stone, joined by senior officials.

The centre, to be built by MTCC, complements additional initiatives such as an outdoor gym and a proposed multi-sports complex supported by the Indian government. These facilities aim to promote active lifestyles and strengthen community engagement.

Nationwide Fitness Initiative to Follow Manadhoo Model

Speaking to PSM News, Minister Rafiu described the Manadhoo centre as the first step in a nationwide initiative to establish fitness and recreation facilities across the country. He said the programme aligns with President Muizzu’s pledge to build a “healthy Maldives”, with similar centres planned through the end of 2026.

The minister characterised the current series of groundbreakings as the launch of a “massive sports project.” In addition to new construction, the ministry is upgrading existing infrastructure, including futsal fields and lighting systems at sports venues.

Since assuming office, the administration has accelerated the completion of previously stalled projects and launched numerous new ones. According to Minister Rafiu, more than 50 sports projects have already been completed and handed over to communities this year, with expectations that 2025 will mark a record year for project completions under the ministry’s purview.