20 projects under the Ministry of Health have been allocated to 20 local island councils as per the decentralisation policy.

Senior officials from the respective local council and health centre signed the agreements for these projects during a special ceremony held on Sunday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen stated that the health ministry has determined to allocate all projects to local councils as per the 8th amendment to the decentralisation act.

The minister further stated that the decision is an initiative taken by the ministry to fulfil President Solih's vision for a "Jazeera Raajje" (Islands [of] Maldives) and set an example for other ministries. The minister also stated that the projects have been assigned to local councils after making all necessary preparations to announce a BOQ notice so as to ensure that there is no delay.

Furthermore, the projects assigned to the councils are all related to developing local health facilities in the outlying islands, said the minister.

The incumbent administration pledged to develop proper health facilities across the country so as to minimise the number of citizens forced to travel to the capital city for adequate medical treatment.

The islands assigned with projects include Maarandhoo island, Filladhoo island and Vashafaru island of Haa Alif atoll, Vaikaradhoo and Makunudhoo island of Haa Dhaal atoll, Noonu atoll Kendhikulhudhoo, Thaa atoll Hulhudhuhfaaru, Raa atoll Vaadhoo, Alif Alif atoll Feridhoo, Dhigurah and Dhangeti island of Alif Dhaal atoll, Meemu atoll Mulah, Laamu atoll Maamendhoo, Maamendhoo, Dhehvadhoo and Nilandhoo island of Gaaf Alif atoll, Fiyoaree and Madaveli island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll and Hulhudhoo island of Seenu atoll.

The minister urged the council members to commence the projects according to the needs of the citizens and at a fast pace, adding that the councils have the ministry's full support in their work.

While 20 PSIPs under the health ministry have been allocated to local councils so far, the ministry stated that this change will allow better quality health facilities to be established in the outlying atolls that are also more convenient for both employees and patients.

The health sector will undergo significant changes by the time the projects are completed, announced the health ministry, adding that the government will not exclude any island or citizen from their right to proper healthcare no matter the population size of the respective island.