Critically ill patient at Feeali Health Center transported to sea ambulance on local pickup truck
Despite the return of Feeali’s paramedic ambulance following a long period of repairs—timed to coincide with the President’s visit to the island—the vehicle remains inoperable, forcing residents to transport patients using local pickups. This has sparked significant public outcry, with residents expressing growing frustration over the decline of essential services and the failure of relevant authorities to provide a lasting solution to the crisis.
Critically ill patient transported to harbor via pickup truck in Feeali. | RaajjeMV | raajjemv
It has emerged that a critically ill patient at the Feeali Health Center in Faafu Atoll had to be transported to a sea ambulance via a local pickup truck for transfer to the Nilandhoo Hospital.
A source who spoke to RaajjeMV stated that the incident occurred on Tuesday. According to the source, while Feeali is equipped with a modern paramedic ambulance, two smaller ambulances previously in use had already been sold at auction. The source further noted that the paramedic ambulance had previously been transported to Male' due to mechanical issues. However, after four months, it was reportedly returned to the island without any significant repairs—other than an oil change—specifically to coincide with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to Feeali.
However, a source reported that despite an ambulance being available, a patient in critical condition at the Feeali Health Center had to be transported to the sea ambulance via a local pickup truck (buggy) for transfer to Nilandhoo.
The large paramedic ambulance was transported to Male' for repairs in May 2025. After remaining in the capital for four months, it was returned to Feeali in September.
"The issue was never truly resolved; they simply changed the fuel and got it running just to bring it back to the island. This was done solely to create a favorable impression in time for President Muizzu's visit," a resident of Feeali stated.
He stated that this reflects the current state of the island's most essential services. He further noted that there appears to be no effort from the heads of relevant authorities to resolve the issue.
