The Government of the Maldives has sent ambulances to 20 islands as part of the efforts to provide ambulances to all islands.
The government in June tasked State Trading Organisation (STO) to procure 96 ambulances needed in the atolls. The ambulances sent to the 20 islands were from the first shipment brought by STO. The government revealed priority was given to islands facing most difficulties due to the lack of ambulances.
A total of 20 ambulances were brought to the Maldives on October 7. The government stated 20 additional ambulances will be brought within a month and another 20 ambulances will also be brought afterwards. The Spokesperson at the President's Office Mohamed Mabrook Azeez had stated 60 ambulances will be put into service by the end of the year.
Moreover, Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem stated the new ambulances will expand services and address many of the challenges faced in the atolls. Noting that ambulance services are important to every island, the minister noted that ambulances in some islands were damaged which caused disruption in the services. Emergency medical care will be provided to those injured in disasters and accidents once ambulances are taken to the islands and commence operations, he said.
In addition to providing ambulances, the government is also working to improve the health services provided in the atolls.