The government is to upgrade the health center in Ihavandhoo island of Haa Alif atoll, to hospital level within the year.

This was revealed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, while speaking to the island community on Saturday.

Taking the podium at the event, the president announced the upgrade of Ihavandhoo health center, would incorporate dialysis services.

This will be done before the establishment of Ihavandhoo Hospital, according to the president.

Muizzu said that the establishment of a high-quality hospital on the island within the year, would mirror his commitment to strengthen the healthcare system.

Noting that the ice plant to be established in the island would be operational, the president highlighted the need to invest approximately USD 10 million to upgrade fishing infrastructure to support the local fishing industry in the area, as envisioned by the residents of the region.

Further shedding light on plans to explore a contractor financing model to ensure the completion of the work even if it means carrying out the project over an extended period, Muizzu stressed the need to find permanent solutions for the challenges faced by fiber workshops.

He also revealed plans to integrate waste management services, handled by WAMCO, personalized to meet the needs of the community.

Pledging to address waste management challenges with modern and permanent solutions, President Muizzu stated that Ihavandhoo and Hoarafushi are considered urban centers in the region.

Hence, he said that development initiatives for the region should be carried out on a wider scale.