Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen has announced the national ambulance services will commence as soon as the ambulances purchased from abroad arrive in Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference held at President's Office, Health Minister Ameen said arrangements for a call centre, the building and staff required to commence the services have now been made, adding efforts are currently underway to bring the ambulances. He announced the services will commence as soon as the ambulances to be received as donations from foreign countries and international organisations are brought to Maldives.
Furthermore, the health minister expressed the aim of the administration is to provide an ambulance to each island, adding under the efforts 21 ambulances will be brought from oversees, with a bid seeking 20 ambulances already published. He said the sea ambulance services need to be enhanced, while the sea ambulances used in carrying patients from one island to the other are outmoded. In this regard, he highlighted 25 sea ambulances are required immediately to provide proper services.
Moreover, the minister appreciated the effort of President's Office, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Economic Development in seeking the ambulances and hailed the progressing speed of the joint efforts.