Hulhumale' hospital is set to open a new ophthalmology center during January next year.

The ophthalmology center is part of an agreement signed between the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Health to establish a "hospital assistance and cooperation program" on 24 July 2019.

According to the hospital, the center is scheduled to launch in January 2020, and eye camps will be held on the occasion of the centre's opening.

The eye camp will feature screening and treatment for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes-related eye issues in addition to eye exams for prescription spectacles.

The hospital is open for applications to participate in the eye camps, which can be submitted by contacting the hospital at their number: 1417.

Under the agreement with the Chinese government, the ophthalmologic department at Hulhumale’ Hospital will be developed to ensure the operation of minor and major surgeries. Regular capacity-building programs have also been arranged under this program to train Maldivian doctors and nurses in Hulhumale’ Hospital and Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center in China.

Both Chinese and Maldivian ophthalmologists will provide their services at this center at Hulhumale’ hospital.