The Ministry of Health is preparing to award contracts for the construction of new hospitals and health centres across multiple islands.

Speaking on MMTV’s Bodu Khabaru programme, Minister of State for Health, Ahmed Gasim, stated that contracts for health service buildings in 65 islands will be handed over this month.

According to Gasim, 29 islands will undergo hospital developments, with some receiving new hospitals and others expanding with extension buildings. Additionally, 36 islands will have new health centres constructed or existing facilities expanded to address space constraints.

Gasim further revealed that projects awarded by the previous administration in 13 islands will be cancelled and reassigned to new contractors within the next week. He explained that these projects were previously awarded without the necessary funding, requiring the current Administration to restructure the implementation process.

Alongside the construction efforts, three hospitals are currently undergoing tertiary upgrades, which Gasim described as a revolutionary change that will allow advanced medical services and diagnostics previously unavailable in these facilities.

The hospitals being upgraded to tertiary level include Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital, Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, and Dr Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital.

Gasim also announced that dialysis services will be made available in every atoll within the next four months, citing the recent launch of dialysis services in Ihavandhoo as part of this expansion.

Commenting on the state of the health sector when the Administration assumed office, Gasim stated that many health facilities and equipment were in poor condition. He expressed concerns over the deterioration of previously well-functioning systems, which has resulted in challenges in service delivery due to staff shortages and inadequate resources.

The State Minister assured that the Government is actively working to address these issues by securing necessary staff and resources to enhance healthcare services nationwide.