Hoarafushi Hospital project moving too slowly, services will not begin this year: Waheed
Waheed stated that given the current pace of construction, it is unlikely the new hospital in Hoarafushi will be completed and operational within this year, despite the government's previous assurances that hospital projects in six islands, including Hoarafushi, would be finalized by year-end. This project, which commenced during the previous administration, remains a critical priority for the local community as they seek to improve the quality of healthcare services available on the island.
A scene from the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hoarafushi Hospital in Haa Alif Atoll, held during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. | Social Media | Social Media
The President of the Hoarafushi Island Council, Mohamed Waheed, has stated that the construction of the new hospital in HA. Hoarafushi will not be completed and operational within this year.
Speaking on RaajjeTV's Fashaairu program, Waheed stated that significant efforts were made to improve the quality of healthcare services during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration.
He stated that as part of these efforts, an agreement was signed to construct a new hospital and physical work had commenced. However, he noted that under the current administration, the progress of the construction has been significantly slow, adding that the project will not be completed and services will not be available this year.
It was during our administration that the practical work on the hospital began, aimed at providing significant relief to the public. Although it has not progressed at the fastest pace, the construction has been moving forward steadily without coming to a complete halt. However, if the work continues at the current rate, I do not believe it will be completed or operational by the end of this year. Every project currently appears to have slowed down significantly.Hoarafushi Council President Mohamed Waheed
State Minister for Health Ismail Shareef, speaking on the state media’s Presidential Address podcast regarding the development of six hospitals across the Maldives, announced that construction of the facilities in HA. Hoarafushi, N. Kendhikulhudhoo, R. Dhuvaafaru, B. Thulhaadhoo, Lh. Hinnavaru, and K. Guraidhoo will be completed and operational within this year.
Improving healthcare services in HA. Hoarafushi was a key pledge made by President Muizzu during the 2023 presidential campaign. Meanwhile, physical work on the construction of a 30-bed hospital on the island, initiated by the previous administration, had already commenced on September 6, 2023.
Improving the quality of healthcare services is a top priority for the approximately 3,500 residents of Hoarafushi.
