President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the 2026 State Budget will prioritise the nationwide expansion of healthcare services.

Speaking to residents of Laamu Hithadhoo during his ongoing tour of the atoll, the President said the nationwide health expansion will include increasing medical staff to extend service hours in hospitals and upgrading health centres to hospital level where required. He added that the commencement of practical works for the Hithadhoo's health centre extension is an important step towards transforming it into a hospital.

Addressing other development projects, President Dr Muizzu explained that the commencement of the multipurpose hall was delayed due to procedural matters but confirmed that practical works will begin later this year.

Speaking about the Bank of Maldives (BML) branch and the Hithadhoo–Kunahandhoo Causeway, which commenced during his visit, the President stated that the BML branch will open by March next year and that work on the causeway will be expedited. He assured that all projects initiated will be properly completed, reiterating the Government’s commitment to turning its promises into tangible results.

Providing an update on the atoll’s airport development, President Dr Muizzu restated his earlier remarks made in Maavah, noting that the project will proceed after careful consideration of key factors such as geography and future development potential. He assured residents that the absence of an announcement during the current visit does not indicate that the project will be abandoned.