Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali has announced that the Government aims to complete the installation of essential diagnostic and treatment facilities at the cancer hospital by 2028.

Responding to questions from members of Parliament on Tuesday, the minister said the cancer hospital project is currently progressing through various stages of development. She noted that land for the facility has already been allocated in Hulhumalé Phase II.

 She said the project includes the development of a 500-bed multispecialty hospital, which will feature a dedicated 25-bed cancer treatment centre. The facility will provide specialised cancer care as well as maternal and child health services.

Minister Geela said basic cancer diagnostic and treatment services, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and PET scan facilities, are expected to become operational by 2028.

Highlighting the growing demand for cancer care, the minister said 120 new cancer patients, including 67 women and 53 men, were registered in 2025. She added that 5,755 patients have received cancer treatment abroad through the Aasandha scheme, at MVR 374 million.

The minister also noted that nine beds have been reserved for cancer patients at Government hospitals, including Hulhumalé Hospital and Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). Cancer-related services are also planned for Addu City, Haa Dhaalu, Lhaviyani, Raa and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls.

As part of efforts to improve early detection, mammogram services for breast cancer screening have been introduced at five regional hospitals, as well as hospitals in Fuvahmulah City and Baa Atoll.

Minister Geela further stated that arrangements have been made with 15 hospitals in India and two hospitals in Sri Lanka to provide cancer treatment under the Aasandha scheme.

The minister also announced plans to conduct a nationwide study on cancer during the current Administration to gather more detailed information on the causes and prevalence of the disease in the Maldives.