Weeks after Milandhoo island in Shaviyani Atoll received a gynecologist resident are still without access to labor-related services due to a lack of facilities at the island’s health center.

The island’s council said that after having provided them with a specialist doctor, the national health insurance had slashed coverage for travel outside the island for birthing.

Residents had previously travelled to Kulhudhuffushi and Funadhoo islands, which will no longer be covered by Aasandha.

Travelling  by speed boat – cheaper vessel services are scheduled or not fast enough – to Kulhudhuffushi costs up to MVR 2,500 and travelling to Funadhoo can cost up to MVR 1,200.

Further, the Milandhoo Health Center has not been certified to meet the standards to conduct any surgical procedures, including labor-related ones.