The foundation stone has been laid for a central cold chain facility to securely store vaccines, medicines, medical supplies and other items required for healthcare services.
The foundation stone for the central cold chain facility, being constructed under the 'Responsive COVID-19 Vaccination for Recovery Project' (APVAX), jointly implemented by the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), was laid by Minister of Health, Family and Welfare, Geela Ali.
Speaking at the ceremony marking the commencement of construction work on the central cold chain facility, Minister Geela said the facility for which the foundation stone was laid today is a highly important investment in the Maldives’ long-term efforts to strengthen the security, efficiency and sustainability of the country’s health system.
With the establishment of the facility, the system for managing vaccines in the Maldives will be further strengthened. In addition, modern systems will be put in place to securely store vaccines, medicines, medical supplies and other items required for healthcare services in a single location. As a result, the healthcare supply system will be strengthened, enabling the health sector to respond more effectively and rapidly both under normal circumstances and during public health emergencies that may arise.
Furthermore, the building is not intended solely as a facility for storing vaccines. In addition to the administrative offices of the Health Protection Agency (HPA), it will accommodate the Mental Health Department, regulatory boards and councils, as well as other important technical divisions of the Ministry. The building is being developed to provide important public health-related services under one roof.
The facility will also provide a long-term solution to the shortage of space currently faced for storing medicines, vaccines, medical equipment and other healthcare supplies. The Ministry said that this will reduce its reliance on rented premises, improve operational efficiency and significantly reduce the long-term costs that the government has to bear.