Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen has said the people will benefit from the key changes brought to the health sector next year.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, Minister Ameen said the Ministry of Health faced significant challenges in executing its planned projects this year due to budget constraints. He further explained the ministry could not get its allocated budget for this year which affected the functions of the ministry.
Speaking on the programme, the health minister revealed planning for next year has been completed and the people will see key changes early next year with the approval of the State Budget for 2020 allowing people to benefit from the measures taken by the ministry. He further said equipment and machinery requirements for five new tertiary hospitals to be developed and the existing hospitals and health centres have been identified and listed, while orders to purchase some of the listed equipment have already been placed. Additionally, part of the equipment has also been purchased via State Trading Organisation (STO).
Minister Ameen also explained the opportunities the sector will create next year. The minister said a strategic human resource analysis has also been completed creating over 1,200 job opportunities with the budget approval. He further clarified the ministry has interviewed shortlisted applicants for many of these positions. He said the sector will see key changes with the biggest ever budget allocated for the health sector.