The Government has handed over 17 new ambulances to islands across the atolls, with the keys officially presented to the respective health centres during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare.

The procurement of the new ambulances was initiated to replace damaged and unusable ambulances at hospitals and health centres in the atolls. The project was entrusted to Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), with the procurement carried out in phases. Under the current phase, MPL was tasked in December last year with procuring 31 ambulances. The project is valued at MVR 36.2 million.

Earlier this year, 14 ambulances under the same project were handed over to health centres in March. The remaining 17 ambulances were presented during the ceremony, where Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali handed over the ambulance keys and manuals. Representatives from the recipient health centres collected the ambulances on behalf of their islands, while Members of Parliament representing the islands also attended the ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Geela said the project marks a significant step towards replacing old ambulances across the atolls and improving healthcare services at island health centres. She added that the new ambulances would further strengthen healthcare systems in the islands.

She also thanked President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on behalf of the ministry and its staff, stating that improving access to essential resources such as ambulances is vital for delivering quality healthcare. She expressed confidence that the new ambulances would enhance healthcare services in the islands and contribute to saving more lives.

MPL Deputy CEO Mohamed Lam'aan said the company had not only procured the ambulances but had also ensured they were delivered to the islands. He described the project as an important milestone in efforts to improve healthcare services in the atolls and provide facilities that meet the needs of island communities.

Lam'aan added that, as part of MPL's corporate social responsibility efforts, the company had also put in place measures to support ambulance operations on the islands, including guidance on service delivery and resolving operational issues to ensure uninterrupted ambulance services.

The 17 ambulances were handed over to health centres in Shaviyani Komandoo, Shaviyani Foakaidhoo, Noonu Henbadhoo, Baa Dharavandhoo, Baa Fulhadhoo, Baa Donfanu, Lhaviyani Olhuvelifushi, Vaavu Fulidhoo, Vaavu Keyodhoo, Meemu Veyvah, Alifu Alifu Bodufolhudhoo, Alifu Alifu Himandhoo, Alifu Dhaalu Kunburudhoo, Alifu Dhaalu Dhangethi, Laamu Fonadhoo, Gaafu Alifu Kondey and Gaafu Dhaalu Vaadhoo.

With the latest handover, the Government has now delivered a total of 87 ambulances to islands since taking office. The Ministry of Health Family and Welfare also stated that ambulances for four additional islands where services remain unavailable will be procured and handed over later this year.

The ministry further announced that 10 paramedic ambulances required for Greater Malé and city areas will also be procured this year, with paramedic ambulance services expected to commence once they are delivered.

Providing reliable ambulance services to every inhabited island in the Maldives remains one of the Government's key priorities, the ministry said.