President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that work to establish radiation chambers and a specialised diagnostic centre for cancer detection and treatment will begin in the middle of this year. He made the announcement while delivering the Presidential Address at the first sitting of the first session of the 20th People’s Majlis.

The President said practical work will also commence this year on the 100-bed tertiary hospital in Vilimalé, funded through Chinese aid, as well as phase two of the 500-bed multi-specialty hospital in Hulhumalé. Construction is also set to begin on a 250-bed tertiary extension to Hulhumalé Hospital, featuring MRI services, urology and urodynamic testing, endoscopy facilities, CXL surgery, expanded ophthalmology services, and a dental laboratory.

He further announced the establishment of a separate catheterisation laboratory at Dharumavantha Hospital, alongside expanded services for the National Cardiac Centre, and confirmed that the National Centre for Neuroscience and Stroke will open next week. Addressing thalassaemia care, the President said services have been relocated to Orange Hiyaa with improved facilities, and that a monthly allowance of MVR 2,000 will be introduced for patients this year.

Highlighting progress in fertility care, the President noted that treatments for endometriosis and PCOS are now covered under the Aasandha health insurance scheme. Since the introduction of IVF and IUI services, 68 individuals have received treatment, resulting in 23 successful cases. He added that the Government has contributed MVR 30 million to the Fertility Care Fund, leading to the birth of 20 babies, with 35 couples set to receive IVF support this year.

The President also underscored investments in the healthcare workforce, stating that 1,711 healthcare workers have been employed to date, with a further 1,957 positions to be filled across health centres, hospitals, and new services launching this year.