The government of Maldives has transferred ambulances to 20 more islands requiring the service.
This comes under efforts to expand the country’s healthcare services across the scatter of islands. As such, the Ministry of Health earlier signed an agreement with the Ministry of Finance and State Trading Organization (STO) during June 2021, mutually agreeing to bring 96 ambulances to be sent to outlying atolls.
The MoU revolves around the purpose of strengthening the healthcare system and bringing a solution to the major issues facing island residents.
The ministry confirmed that ambulances have since been transferred to 20 additional islands, including Finey island of Haa Dhaal atoll, Kurinbi island of Haa Dhaal atoll, Neykurendhoo island of Haa Dhaal atoll, Feydhoo island of Shaviyani atoll, Feevah island of Shaviyani atoll, Maakurathu island of Raa atoll, Angolhitheem island of Raa atoll, Innamaadhoo island of Raa atoll, Velidhoo island of Noonu atoll, Maalhendhoo island of Noonu atoll, Dhiffushi island of Kaafu atoll, Guraidhoo island of Kaafu atoll, Gaafaru island of Kaafu atoll, Rasdhoo island of Alif Alif atoll, Dhigurah island of Alif Dhaal atoll, Vilufushi island of Thaa atoll, Kandholhudhoo island of Gaaf Alif atoll, Nadella island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll, Fuvahmulah City, Addu City and the capital city as well.
As such, ambulances were provided to Addu Equatorial Hospital and the Emergency Medical Service of Malé City this time round.
The first shipment, comprising of 20 ambulances, was brought to Maldives during October 2021. This was followed by another batch of 20 ambulances, brought during December.
The third batch of ambulances under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was brought in February 2022, followed by the fourth batch on March 19, carrying 21 units as agreed under the MoU with the health ministry.
STO aims to handover these units to the respective islands as soon as possible, in a bid to help strengthen the healthcare system of remote islands.
This comes at a time President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had stated that the government was working to transfer the remaining ambulances to outlying atolls by the end of March. This was revealed during his presidential address this year.
