Ambassador of India to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir has announced plans to develop a cancer treatment hospital in Maldives.
Speaking to PSM News, Ambassador Sudhir said the 100-bed cancer treatment hospital is to be established under the credit facility the Government of India has extended to Maldives. He explained the new state of the art cancer treatment facility would reduce the expenditure Maldives spend on cancer treatment.
Furthermore, the ambassador noted India have always been a close ally in the development of Maldives. He said the weakened diplomatic relations between Maldives and India have significantly improved since President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih assumed office last November, adding various development projects, especially in health services, have been planned to be conducted in Maldives in collaboration with India. He added developing the health services is one of the agreements signed during the official visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Maldives.
Sudhir also discussed the expenditure Maldivians have on health. He stated measures are to be taken to reduce the amount Maldivians spend on health such as importing medicine cheaply from India. He explained State Trading Organisation (STO) is expected to sign an agreement with Amrita Institute of Medical Science of India to supply medicine cheaply.
Maldives and India have announced other projects in addition to the 100-bed cancer treatment hospital to be developed in Hulhumale'.
The development of sectors such as defence, sports and technology are in full swing, while the cargo ferry to be operated between Cochin and Male' City is expected to start operations within a few months.