An implementation agreement has been signed for the construction of a Chinese government-funded hospital in Villimalé.

The signing ceremony for the China-aided hospital project was held on Monday. Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib signed the agreement on behalf of the Maldivian Government. The project was discussed during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to China in January 2024.

The hospital will have a capacity of 112 beds. Feasibility studies and site surveys required for the project have already been completed, with construction works yet to commence.

The planned facility will include outpatient and emergency services, diagnostic and treatment areas, medical wards and administrative offices. The hospital will be constructed on a plot measuring 12,890 square metres. The Chinese government will also provide medical equipment and furniture for the facility.

The Government expects the hospital to begin construction in the third quarter of this year. The next phase of the project will involve selecting a contractor through a tender process.

In a post shared on X on Monday, Minister Dr Muththalib described the signing of the agreement for the Villimalé Tertiary Hospital as a significant milestone, noting that the project was among the commitments made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

In addition to the hospital project, China has also agreed to implement a separate initiative to modernise roads across Malé City. Necessary studies and surveys for the road development project have already been completed.