IGMH Begins Retinal Laser Procedures for Premature Infants, Marking a Milestone in Paediatric Care

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has begun offering Laser Photocoagulation therapy for premature infants diagnosed with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), a potentially blinding condition affecting newborns.

Widely recognised as the standard treatment for severe ROP, the procedure employs retinal laser technology to preserve the eyesight of infants born prematurely. Its introduction marks a significant expansion of specialised paediatric care within the country and reflects a growing emphasis on timely, localised access to advanced medical interventions.

Confirmation of the new service was issued by Ibrahim Abdur Razaq Haleem, Chief Executive Officer of the Malé City Group of Hospitals. In a public statement shared via social media, Haleem described the initiative as a “timely opportunity” to ensure that vulnerable infants receive critical care without delay.

The launch of retinal laser therapy at IGMH aligns with the government’s broader strategy to reinforce the national health system. Officials have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of newborns, citing ongoing efforts to decentralise specialised treatments and equip regional hospitals and healthcare facilities with previously unavailable medical technologies.

These efforts are part of a multi-pronged reform agenda that includes the procurement of new equipment, the expansion of services across regional facilities, and the integration of digital infrastructure. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has identified healthcare as a central pillar of the government’s digitalisation master plan, with the health sector receiving priority attention.

In support of this agenda, the government is working in close partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) to implement a comprehensive digital transformation of the national healthcare system.