President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the hospital and airport projects in Raa Alifushi will be completed and opened during this term.

The President made the remarks at Monday's press briefing while responding to a question from a journalist regarding delays to the Alifushi hospital project.

A 30-bed hospital is being developed in Alifushi for MVR 128 million. The project was awarded to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) with a completion period of two years.

President Dr Muizzu said both the hospital and airport projects have been awarded to MTCC, adding that the financing required to procure materials for the projects has been arranged. He said MTCC is expected to begin procuring the required materials and proceed with the work without major delays.

The President said health is one of the Government's priority sectors, with several health sector projects already awarded or scheduled to be awarded under this year's budget.

The President said the Government has drawn up a dedicated timeline for completing hospital and health centre projects across the country. He added that targets have been set to complete the projects at various stages of the current presidential term.

Alifushi currently receives services through a health centre. The new hospital is expected to increase space and expand specialist healthcare services on the island.

The hospital is also expected to include a flu clinic and isolation facilities to ensure services can continue during outbreaks such as COVID-19. Solar PV systems are also planned to be installed to reduce energy costs.

Meanwhile, the airport project in Alifushi is being carried out at MVR 426.05 million from the State budget. The project includes the development of a 1,200-metre runway, apron, taxiway, terminal building, fire building, airport roads, firefighting facilities and a 655-metre security fence.