Healthcare facilities across the atolls are facing significant challenges, including limited space and operational constraints, Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali has said.
Speaking on a PSM News programme, the Health Minister Geela noted that in some islands healthcare services are still being delivered from rented premises, while in others, existing health centres are unable to introduce new services due to space limitations.
She said a substantial portion of essential healthcare infrastructure remains incomplete, with 159 development projects currently underway to address these gaps.
The projects include the construction of 39 new hospitals and the expansion of 94 health centres to increase service capacity, as per the minister.
In addition to infrastructure, she highlighted the need to strengthen human resources, particularly by increasing the number of Maldivians working in sectors where local participation remains low.
“Healthcare requires very close monitoring. Various projects are currently in different stages, ranging from the design phase to foundation work,” she said.
Efforts to build workforce capacity are also ongoing, with approximately 1,700 employees joining the sector last year. A further 1,900 employees are expected to enter the workforce this year.
The Minister noted that healthcare development in the Maldives has historically focused on short-term solutions rather than long-term planning criticising it as unsustainable. She said the current approach aims to address these shortcomings by prioritising sustainable expansion, particularly in response to space constraints.
Work is also underway to reduce dependence on the Malé area for medical services. Over the past two years, several key services have been introduced to the atolls, including radiology services such as MRI, CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds.
Laboratory services are also being expanded, with plans to ensure basic testing is available on every island. The government aims to establish laboratories in 76 islands by the end of the year.
In addition, dialysis services are being extended across the country as part of efforts to improve access to specialised care.