Physiotherapy services have officially been launched at Kaashidhoo Health Centre by Minister of Health, Family and Welfare, Geela Ali. The minister also toured the facility where the service was introduced.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister Geela said the service was an important part of the Government’s efforts to make healthcare more accessible and convenient for the public. She noted that it was a much-needed service for the island’s residents.
The minister highlighted that Kaashidhoo was an island specifically prioritised by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for the introduction of physiotherapy services. She said it was the first island health centre to begin providing the service.
“Physiotherapy is a valuable form of treatment for overcoming physical difficulties that develop with age. The absence of this service on the island had placed a considerable burden on Kaashidhoo residents, who previously had to endure the difficulties of travelling and the significant expenses involved in seeking treatment in Malé. Establishing this service on the island will bring considerable relief,” Minister Geela Ali said.
The Health Minister added that providing essential services of this kind was an important step towards strengthening the overall healthcare sector.
She said the service would enable elderly people and people with disabilities to receive treatment on their home island while remaining close to their families. This, she added, would improve public health and contribute to a better quality of life.
Minister Geela also met with staff at Kaashidhoo Health Centre to discuss the delivery of healthcare services and address the challenges they face in providing care.
Kaashidhoo Health Centre operates 24 hours a day. It treats between 25 and 30 patients daily and has eight beds for inpatient care. In addition to doctor consultations and laboratory services, the centre also provides electrocardiogram (ECG) services. Preparations are under way to introduce X-ray and scanning services.
When the current Government took office, physiotherapy services were available at 10 healthcare facilities across the atolls, in addition to facilities in the Malé area. These included Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital in Raa Atoll, Baa Atoll Hospital, Lhaviyani Atoll Hospital, Muli Regional Hospital, Gan Regional Hospital in Laamu Atoll, Gaafu Alifu Atoll Hospital, Dr Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital, Fuvahmulah Hospital and Addu Equatorial Hospital.
The Ministry of Health said efforts to expand physiotherapy services across the atolls had resulted in the introduction of the service at five additional island facilities, including Kaashidhoo. In addition to Kaashidhoo, the service is now available at Maafushi Hospital, Noonu Atoll Hospital, Thaa Atoll Hospital and Shaviyani Atoll Hospital.