Healthcare infrastructure projects worth USD 324.3 million are ongoing at various stages, Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has said.
The Minister said development is focused on reducing dependence on Male’ by strengthening atoll hospitals, regional hospitals and main hospitals in seven regions designated as urban centres. He said over 160 health facility infrastructure projects are underway, including construction of more than 30 hospitals, over 20 health centres, and 90 health centre expansions, with 22 more projects set to begin soon.
According to the Minister, in addition to infrastructure development, the human resources needed for the facilities are also being strengthened. About 700 new staff have been recruited for atoll health facilities, and another 1,000 for Male’, including doctors, nurses, technicians, customer relation staff, attendants and drivers.
Tertiary-level services are being developed at the Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital, Gan Regional Hospital, Dr Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital, and Fuvahmulah Hospital. Sub-specialty services, MRI and CT scan, blood banks, and laboratory services are being expended, while bed capacity at these hospitals is being increased to 100.
This year’s state budget allocates USD 571 million for the health sector.