President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged local council to implement a prevention-based public health system.

Speaking at the Golden Jubilee function held in commemoration of the 50th anniversary since initiating health services at the Hithadhoo Regional Center, President Solih stated that the general health sector requires an upgrade and that councils have been empowered with great responsibilities following the recent ratification of the amendments to the Decentralization Act.

Stressing that the biggest challenge facing the health sector is the spread of non-communicable diseases, the president said that cancer and health-related diseases have been on the rise lately.

This, Solih said, is due to unhealthy lifestyles which can be curbed by maintaining a healthy diet and refraining from smoking.

The event was joined by some of the government ministers; Health Minister Abdulla Ameen, Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail as well as Fisheries Minister Zaha Waheed.

Plaques of appreciation were awarded for those who have been providing services at the center, during the event.

The center was opened for services in December 1969 with a single health assistant to provide services for the people. The first doctor was brought to the center, which started off as a health center during June 1997. Currently, there are 29 individuals employed at the level-three health center that operates round-the-clock.

While he arrived at Kadhdhoo airport as part of his tour across Laamu atoll on Thursday morning, he was received with a warm, traditional welcome by Laamu atoll residents.

During his visit, Solih will be visiting Gan, Hithadhoo and Fonadhoo as well.

He met with councilors and institution representatives from the island at the island council’s secretariat on Thursday afternoon, where he was briefed on challenges surfacing for the councilors’ work.