Dialysis service delays persist: Minister admits unmet pledges as key atolls still without care

Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim has admitted that dialysis services have not been implemented across all atolls in the Maldives, failing to meet the government’s initial pledges.

Earlier, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, the first Health Minister of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, had committed to making dialysis services available in every atoll by 2024.

Dr. Khaleel made this pledge in April 2024 while responding to inquiries in a sitting of the People’s Majlis.

After Dr. Khaleel’s departure, Nazim took over the role of Health Minister. In July 2025, Nazim reiterated the commitment, announcing that dialysis services would be available in all atolls by the end of September that year. Facilitating easier access to dialysis for island residents has remained a key promise of President Muizzu’s administration.

However, as 2024 and 2025 came to a close, the goal of establishing dialysis services in every atoll remained unmet. Minister Nazim acknowledged this shortfall during a press conference at the President's Office on Monday.

While dialysis services have not yet been launched in Vaavu, Faafu, and Dhaal atolls, Nazim mentioned that the government is working on this initiative in a more “broad” manner than originally envisioned in the policy.

Regarding Dhaal atoll, Nazim explained that progress in installing machines and setting up the necessary systems is moving swiftly, with the facility nearing operational readiness.

However, he attributed the delay in Faafu atoll to the lack of a clean water supply, which is essential for the dialysis procedure.

In Vaavu atoll, Nazim pointed out that due to the atoll’s small population and the absence of any patients currently in need of dialysis, the government is reconsidering the most suitable approach for providing services in the region.

Minister Nazim also emphasized that efforts to expand dialysis services have gone beyond the scope of the original policy. He noted that services have already begun across nine islands, with eight additional islands prepared to launch the service.

Despite these advancements, the minister did not specify any firm timeline for when the services would be fully operational.

Nazim acknowledged that the project has faced various challenges and delays. While he insisted that the process is moving forward according to a well-structured plan, it is clear that the service has not launched within the government’s original deadlines.