The Government has recruited more than 500 staff to hospitals in the Greater Malé region over the past 18 months, to strengthen public healthcare services in the capital, according to the CEO of Malé City Group of Hospitals, Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem.

Since November 2023, 560 new personnel have joined the four main Government-run hospitals in the region; Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), Dharumavantha Hospital, Hulhumalé Hospital, and Vilimalé Hospital. Approximately 75 per cent of the new recruits are medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialist practitioners.

Speaking on the developments, CEO Haleem said the initiative is set to improve service capacity through enhancements in infrastructure, medical equipment, and human resources. He noted that significant progress has been made in activating and upgrading facilities, including transitioning Dharumavantha and Hulhumalé Hospitals to operate as independent tertiary care centres.

As part of the expansion, 194 additional beds have been installed at IGMH and Dharumavantha Hospital. A new surgical ward has also been introduced to improve service speed and efficiency. Meanwhile, Hulhumalé Hospital has expanded its critical care capacity with new ICU, NICU, emergency, and operating facilities.

Currently, IGMH and Dharumavantha Hospital together offer 32 specialist medical services. The Malé City Group of Hospitals aims to reduce outbound medical travel by expanding the range of treatments available locally. According to Haleem, preparations are underway to support this long-term objective through continued investment in service delivery and professional development.