Ministry of Health has begun transferring new ambulances to atolls, as part of the project to provide ambulance services across Maldives.
The health ministry is currently working on transferring new ambulances to 26 different islands. The new ambulances include 21 ambulances provided from the aid provided by the Government of Japan and five ambulances bought from finances allocated in the state budget.
The 26 islands to receive new ambulances include islands which does not currently have any ambulance services, such as Fulhadhoo, Fehendhoo and Kihaadhoo in Baa Atoll. Residents in the islands without ambulance services face great difficulties in transferring patients to health centres. The ambulances will help to improve emergency health services in the islands.
Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen said efforts will continue to provide ambulances to the islands, noting the ministry will ensure ambulance services are being provided smoothly.
The administration has been conducting projects to broaden healthcare services across the atolls in its effort to reduce the dependency on the capital city. The administration targets to establish tertiary hospitals in 5 different regions in Maldives by the end of the five-year term.