Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon has announced that plans are currently underway to procure an additional ten vessels for the country’s sea ambulance service within the year. 

Addressing a parliamentary query last week, the Minister stated that the enhancement of the sea ambulance network remained a high priority for the defence sector. He noted that, subject to the necessary approval from Aasandha, the Ministry of Defence was taking steps to address current service challenges as efficiently as possible.

Minister Ghassan acknowledged that the number of sea ambulances presently in operation falls short of national requirements. He explained that, as the service is intended to cover the entire country, the existing shortfall in operational vessels has significantly hindered the ability to provide timely and comprehensive care.

He further remarked that insufficient fleet size, coupled with instances of overuse, has created notable difficulties in service delivery. Nevertheless, he affirmed that the armed forces are maintaining operations to the best of their ability pending formal approval for expansion. He added that the Ministry is actively working to acquire ten additional vessels this year to alleviate the existing pressure.

The sea ambulance service is currently functioning as a 24-hour emergency response service.

Minister Ghassan also recalled that, in light of the growing emphasis placed on emergency medical transport, the Government had introduced air ambulance services the previous year. Since its inception, the air service has facilitated over 780 patient transfers.