The government aims to facilitate specialist services to improve the Island's health sector with the help of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) outreach programme, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

As part of his ongoing two-day tour of six islands in Alif Alif atoll, President Solih touched down in Thoddoo island as his first destination, where he held a meeting with the island’s council and Women's Development Committee (WDC).

The meeting saw councilors affirming the president that they aim to bring more development to the island, by making “the best use” of the authority and financial autonomy granted to councils under the amendments to the Decentralization Act.

President Solih was briefed on the most pressing issues and needs from the island community, including road development, upgrading healthcare facilities, proposed ideas on harbor extension projects, development of the school and other projects, revolving around tourism and agricultural development.

During the meeting, members of the WDC highlighted challenges and difficulties they face in lack of office space.

President Solih shared the latest updates on the development projects ongoing in the island and shed light on the road development project, which is expected to begin after the water and sewerage project concludes.

He also added that the government will explore possibilities to address the lack of office space, and also touched down on the completion of the school's multi-purpose hall and 12 new classrooms project.

President Solih affirmed that he will also consider the ideas and suggestions proposed by the council for the harbor expansion project.

During the visit he also toured the Thoddoo Health Centre, met with the staff members, visited some farming plots and officially inaugurated the 12 newly-built classrooms and multi-purpose hall developed by the Ministry of Education.

President Solih is accompanied by a delegation of cabinet ministers and senior officials from the government. He will also be visiting Rasdhoo Island, Ukhulhas Island, Mathiveri Island, Bodufolhudhoo Island and Himandhoo Island during the trip. During his visit President Solih will officially open the new mosque in Bodufolhudhoo and inaugurate the harbor in Himandhoo.

The trip will see President Solih engaging in important discussions with the island councils and Women’s Development Committees as well as important stakeholders including business owners, farmers, guesthouse proprietors and island communities.