The Government has handed over ambulances to 14 islands during a special ceremony at the Ministry of Health, as part of efforts to ensure uninterrupted ambulance services nationwide.

At the ceremony, keys and maintenance manuals were officially presented to representatives of the islands. Speaking at the event, State Minister of Health Ahmed Gasim said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is prioritising improvements in the quality of health services nationwide.

State Minister Gasim noted that when the current Administration took office, health centres and hospitals were in poor condition, both in terms of infrastructure and facilities. He highlighted that the Government is now constructing new health service buildings across 135 islands, with work already underway on 31, totalling MVR 5 billion in investment.

He added that the health sector required 3,000 additional employees when the Government took over. Last year, more than 1,000 staff were recruited, and another 600 are expected to be hired this year, representing an investment of over MVR 170 million.

So far, 56 islands most in need of ambulances have been provided, with the latest handover extending services to 14 more islands.

Islands receiving ambulances include:

A memorandum of understanding was also signed with Maldives Ports Limited for the repair and servicing of ambulances and other vehicles.