Minister of Health and Family and Welfare, Geela Ali has said more than USD 3.89 million was wasted on various health sector projects undertaken by the previous administration.
She made the remarks while responding to questions from members of the Parliament. The Minister also shared the latest information with parliamentarians on health sector projects currently being carried out by the Government in various parts of the Maldives.
Minister Geela said the previous Government had initiated numerous health sector projects and released payments to the contractors. However, she said significant losses had been incurred as work on many of the projects had not commenced and was delayed.
The Minister said that since President Dr Mohamed Muizzu assumed office, the Government has been exploring ways to move stalled projects forward. She said contracts for 16 projects on which work had not commenced have been terminated.
Minister Geela said more than USD 3.89 million had been released as advance payments for these projects.
“A number of health service projects have had to be terminated. More than USD 3.89 million has been wasted after projects were awarded to various parties in this manner. However, we are now working to recover that money through legal means and to complete the matters that are required to be fulfilled legally,” Minister Geela said.
Minister Geela said the current Government is proceeding with projects once the necessary funding has been secured. In this regard, she noted that work is ongoing to upgrade health centres on various islands and establish laboratories.
Although infrastructure development projects in the health sector are ongoing, Minister Geela said the Government is also working to establish the necessary systems and human resources to ensure health services are not disrupted while the projects are being carried out and to provide good health services.