Speech therapy services have been introduced at Haa Alifu Atoll Hospital in Dhidhdhoo, making it the first atoll hospital in the Maldives to offer this service.

Until now, speech therapy services outside the Greater Malé region were only available in two regional hospitals, Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital and Addu Equatorial Hospital. With the new service in Dhidhdhoo, patients in Haa Alifu atoll will no longer need to travel to Malé or other distant locations to access care.

According to the hospital, the service was made possible with the support of the Dhiggaa Foundation Dhidhdhoo, the Ministry of Health, the island council, the atoll council, and members of Parliament.

Registration for the service opened this week and can be completed through a QR code available on the hospital’s social media channels. The hospital reported that approximately 30 people registered on the first day. Services are open to all age groups and will be provided every day except Friday.

The Ministry of Health has said work is also underway to introduce speech therapy services in Noonu Atoll. The Ministry’s long-term goal is to expand these services across all Level 3 facilities nationwide, though challenges remain due to a shortage of qualified professionals.