Laboratory services have officially commenced in Maroshi in Shaviyani Atoll, inaugurated by Geela Ali, the Minister of Health, Family and Welfare. The launch was marked during a Saturday ceremony attended by senior health ministry officials, Maroshi Island Council leadership, and health centre management.
Transitioning local medical services to round-the-clock operations alongside the laboratory represents a major advancement for the island, Minister Geela stated, noting that the facility will bring an end to the necessity of travelling to other islands to conduct medical tests. Previously operating 16 hours daily, the Maroshi Health Centre extended to 24-hour operations immediately following the opening.
Like populations across islands lacking laboratory infrastructure, Maroshi residents were previously forced to journey to neighbouring islands within the atoll. Securing local access to blood transfusions and routine diagnostic tests will provide financial relief while easing physical burdens, community members expressed.
The facility will facilitate early detection and management for chronic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and renal impairment, the health ministry reported. Officials added that the laboratory will also enable testing for mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever and accommodate routine prenatal screenings for pregnant women.
The Maroshi facility marks the 19th established under an ongoing government initiative targeting 76 islands lacking diagnostic capabilities. Expanding medical laboratory services to every inhabited island remains a primary government objective, fulfilling a key campaign pledge made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
Laboratory services launched at Lhaimagu
Subsequently, laboratory services have also been launched at the Lhaimagu Health Centre. The service was inaugurated by Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had previously announced during his visit to Lhaimagu last year, where he met with residents, that health services on the island would be further expanded. The President noted that once the new health centre building is completed, its operating hours would be extended to 16 hours a day. He also highlighted that the new facility is being developed with four beds, a laboratory and other resources.
The new service is also expected to reduce expenses for residents. By eliminating travel costs and saving the time required for such journeys, the service will provide greater convenience. Residents have welcomed the development, particularly as elderly people and young children will no longer have to undertake sea journeys to access basic medical testing and healthcare services on another island. For the people of Lhaimagu, having easier access to healthcare on their own island is a significant source of relief.