Weak Healthcare System Remains Gan’s Biggest Challenge, Says Council President
The Gan Island Council has highlighted significant challenges facing local residents due to the declining quality of services at Gan Regional Hospital. Amid growing public concern over delays in upgrading the facility to tertiary standards, the council has urged the government to expedite its pledges to strengthen the healthcare system and commence the physical work required for the hospital's development.
Afsal Jaufar, President of the Gan Island Council. | Raajje MV
The President of the Gan Island Council, Ahmed Afsal Jaufar, has stated that the most significant challenge currently facing L. Gan is a weakened healthcare system and the obstacles residents face in accessing adequate medical treatment.
Speaking on RaajjeTV's "Fashaairu" program, Afsal stated that although there is a regional hospital in Gan, the quality of services provided there is actually very poor.
Afsal stated that a significant number of people from various islands in Thaa Atoll, in addition to Laamu Atoll, travel to Gan to consult doctors and seek various healthcare services. However, he noted that the current state of the hospital necessitates substantial improvements to its services. Afsal further characterized Gan Regional Hospital as being a facility that exists in name only.
Speaking on the government's pledges to develop the healthcare sector in Gan, Afsal noted that beyond the signing of the agreement to upgrade Gan Regional Hospital to tertiary standards, no practical work has commenced to date. He highlighted that the lack of progress on this project has raised significant concerns and questions among the public.
Furthermore, Afsal highlighted previous discussions regarding the establishment of a mental health hospital, or a facility specializing in psychiatric care, in Gan. He noted that despite initial plans to build the hospital in Gan, information has now surfaced suggesting the government has decided to relocate the project to Malé. However, he added that no further details regarding this change have been provided since.
As L. Gan serves a significant population and a vast geographical area, the local community holds high expectations for a more robust healthcare system. However, Afsal noted that both the council and residents are deeply concerned by the current stagnation of these essential projects.
