Minister of Health, Abdulla Ameen has revealed that work is underway to supply the tertiary hospitals constructed in Ungoofaaru island of Raa atoll and Kulhudhuhfushi island of Haa Dhaalu atoll with the necessary equipment.

During Monday's parliament session, the minister answered the questions posed to him regarding the estimated time of completion of the aforementioned tertiary hospitals by members of parliament.

When questioned about how long it will take to convert Kulhudhuhfushi hospital to a tertiary hospital by MP for North Kulhudhuffushi constituency Yasir Abdul Latheef, the minister stated that work is about to begin on drawing the tertiary hospital and that they aim to announce the contract for the work by December.

Moreover, the minister stated that the relevant authorities have been assigned the work and that the work is currently underway. Furthermore, he announced renovation work will begin by December 5.

The minister further revealed that they are in the final stage of selecting staff for the hospital and that there has been a 60% reduction in the number of people traveling to Male' City for medical services since CT scan services were introduced to Kulhudhuhfushi hospital.

In response to the question posed by MP for North Inguraidhoo constituency, Hassan Ahmed, regarding when Ungoofaaru Hospital will be converted into a tertiary hospital, the minister stated that renovation work has already begun.

As such, he announced that private rooms have been completed and are ready to be open to the public.

Furthermore, he stated that CT scan services will be introduced to the hospital soon in addition to other major changes.

Developing tertiary hospitals in five areas of the Maldives is a presidential pledge by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

MVR 141 million has been allocated in next year's state budget for the development of these hospitals. These include hospitals in Thinadhoo island of Gaafu Dhaalu atoll, Ungoofaaru island of Raa atoll, Kulhudhuhfushi island of Haa Dhaalu atoll, Gan island of Laamu Atoll, and Hithadhoo district of Addu City.

The minister has previously told the parliament that the tertiary hospital in Addu City is in its final stages of completion.