President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has revealed the government has set a budget to establish hospitals in the 21 most populous islands in the Maldives. He made the statement in a meeting with the members of the fishing community and business owners of Thimarafushi, Thaa Atoll.
During the meeting, President Solih said the government has decided to establish mid-range hospitals in the 21 most populous islands. The president said the government has already set the budget for the project and shortlisted the islands. Thimarafushi Health Centre will be converted to a hospital, also added the president.
Furthermore, President Solih listened to the concerns raised by the local fishing community, business owners, and other stakeholders in the island and conveyed the administration had a thorough development plan focused on the atoll. He said the COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable effect on hindering the execution of these developmental projects.
Highlighting the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the president added that the government had provided support packages to SMEs. He added that a team from the SME Development and Finance Corporation (SDFC) will soon visit the island to brief them on loan opportunities for SMEs. He also divulged on the administration's policies on the development of the fisheries sector, going into details of the government's plans to address concerns raised regarding Funaddoo, Thaa Atoll.
Speaking at the meeting, the president talked about the COVID-19 control measures enforced, adding that broader compliance is needed. He also discussed the broadening of economic activities on the island and listened to concerns raised by the community.