Aasandha Company Limited has contracted a local company to provide emergency patient transfer service in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll.
During a ceremony held on September 2, Aasandha contracted HMHI Private Limited to provide emergency patient transfer service on speedboats, during situations where a sea ambulance is not available. Aasandha stated this is a pilot project which begins in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, as part of efforts to reduce tragedies caused by delays in arranging sea ambulances in the atolls. Aasandha said the project will be implemented in other atolls later, based on the experience in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll.
The contract with HMHI was signed for duration of one year. Under the contract, HMHI is required to provide a speedboat of sufficient capacity to carry a patient to the nearest hospital or medical facility within a specified period of time.
Aasandha revealed several patients have previously been carried on private speedboats during emergency situations when a sea ambulance could not be arranged. However, the company noted lack of an official arrangement for emergency patient transfer puts patients at risk of a preventable death.