The National Cardiac Centre has strengthened public confidence in Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), according to the Chief Executive Officer of Malé City Group of Hospitals, Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem.

Speaking at a ceremony held to mark the National Cardiac Centre's 10th anniversary, Haleem said the centre has become one of the most successful and specialised institutions operating under the Malé City Group of Hospitals since its establishment.

He said the centre has consistently delivered high-quality cardiac care, helping to build public trust in IGMH while significantly improving cardiovascular services available in the Maldives.

"The establishment of cardiac care services and the efforts made to further expand them have produced results we can truly be proud of. It is an invaluable gift to the people," Haleem said.

Haleem noted that the expansion of cardiac services has enabled more patients to receive treatment for heart disease within the Maldives, making specialised care more accessible and reducing the burden on patients.

He also highlighted the centre's role in reducing the number of patients who need to travel abroad for treatment, while contributing to the development of skilled local healthcare professionals.

Speaking about future plans, Haleem said cardiac services continue to expand beyond Malé. He noted that the catheterisation laboratory established at Addu Equatorial Hospital has been progressing successfully since services began in February.

Haleem added that the facility has so far successfully carried out 38 angiograms, 20 angioplasty procedures, one carotid artery angiography, one pacemaker implantation and one implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) procedure.

He also revealed that discussions have begun with Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital to establish another catheterisation laboratory in the northern atolls.

"Once the required space is arranged, we will begin providing cardiac intervention services in northern Maldives as well," he said.

Haleem further said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has directed efforts to further expand treatment for heart disease, neurological conditions and cancer, while noting that cardiac catheterisation services, which had previously been suspended, resumed under the current Administration.