Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has said that ambulances have been handed over to 27 islands as part of ongoing efforts to establish sustainable ambulance services across the Maldives.

MPL, which has been contracted to transport ambulances to 56 islands, said the vehicles have been delivered and handed over to hospitals in 27 islands so far. The company added that work is underway to complete the delivery of the remaining ambulances in the coming period.

The initiative follows concerns raised by island communities over limited access to emergency transport services during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's visits to inhabited islands, leading to the development of a policy framework aimed at ensuring long-term and reliable emergency care nationwide. 

The project was awarded to MPL on 18 January by the Ministry of Health under the contractor finance policy. Under the first phase of the programme, 56 ambulances were imported to Malé City before being distributed to islands nationwide.

The total cost of the project is MVR 65.3 million. In addition to the ambulances already delivered, the Government has announced plans to procure ambulances for a further 31 islands this year. Ten additional paramedic ambulances are also scheduled to be introduced to the Greater Malé Region and other cities.