Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has stated over 100 students are studying medicine with the loan assistance of government. The Health Minister also highlighted the efforts of the government to enhance the health sector of the country speaking at ceremony held to celebrate 50 years anniversary of Noonu atoll hospital. Scholarships for over 50 students have been granted by the government to specialise from medicine, revealed Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim.
Noting that President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom prioritises developing the health sector all across Maldives rather than focusing on Greater Male' region, Health Minister Nazim said important project in terms of health sector are underway in almost all islands. In this regard, stating that while many services are established in Noonu atoll hospital alone, Health Minister revealed that new services will be introduced in the hospital in the coming days. Dental services will be introduced in many atolls within next year, further highlighted the Minister.
Moreover, Minister Nazim reiterated the remarkable achievements of the health sector within the past four year attributing all the successes to the hardworking staff of the sector. Citing statistics, Minister stated in terms of a country, Maldives occupies the most number of pharmacies and ambulances.
Minister Nazim during his speech highlighted that lack of local doctors is a challenge faced by the health sector saying 49 percent nurses and 80 percent doctors are foreigners.
Noonu atoll hospital located in Manadhoo island offers dialysis service, testing for thyroid, thalassemia screening and other basic services.