All inhabited islands will have laboratory facilities by year-end: Health Minister
Nazim further stated that the government’s secondary objective is to begin the full establishment of comprehensive laboratory facilities across all remaining islands.
Health Minister Nazim at a press conference at the President office | president office
Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has announced that laboratory facilities will be established across all inhabited islands of the Maldives by the end of 2026, allowing routine medical diagnostic tests to be conducted locally.
Speaking on the President’s Office podcast “Tharujamaanaa Eku”, the minister stated that by the end of the current year, laboratory services would be fully implemented, including the recruitment of required personnel and the ability to carry out essential diagnostic testing.
He added that laboratories had been inaugurated across four islands over the past month, though no details were provided regarding the specific islands or when the project began.
Nazim said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has placed priority on expanding healthcare services in outlying atolls. He argued that strengthening regional health systems would reduce public reliance on the capital, Malé City and ease pressure on hospitals in the capital by shortening waiting lists.
According to the minister, 76 islands did not have laboratory services when the current administration took office. He noted that basic diagnostic services have since been introduced in those islands through a Point of Care framework.
Nazim further stated that the government’s secondary objective is to begin the full establishment of comprehensive laboratory facilities across all remaining islands.
