Ministry of Finance includes USD 90 million in the State Budget 2020 for the development of 5 tertiary hospitals across the country.
The tertiary hospitals are to be developed in Thinadhoo, Ungoofaaru, Kulhudhuffushi, Gan and Hithadhoo. USD 3.3 million has been allocated to develop Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, while USD 5.8 million has been allocated to develop a tertiary hospital in Thinadhoo. An additional USD 11.9 million has been allocated to develop the health facilities and services in other islands.
The budget allocates USD 266.41 million for the health sector, of which USD 229.64 million is recurrent expenditure. A significant USD 61.66 million is included in the budget for the state health insurance scheme. 60% and 21% of the budget is allocated as staff expenditure and other recurrent expenditure respectively.
The cost of standardising and improving health services, installing health service facilities and equipment and training technical staff are also areas that have been included in the budget. In addition, the budget also includes the cost of establishing a national ambulance service and digitalising the national health network.