Addu Equatorial Hospital has officially launched its medical internship programme, becoming the first hospital in the atolls to offer the mandatory training for newly graduated doctors.

The programme commenced on July 16, as part of the Government’s efforts to expand access to clinical training opportunities beyond the capital. Until now, Dharumavantha Hospital in Malé was the only facility authorised to provide internships, limiting placement options for medical graduates across the country.

Under national regulations, medical graduates are required to complete a one-year internship before becoming eligible for permanent service. With the launch at Addu Equatorial Hospital, future doctors based in the southern atolls now have the opportunity to fulfil their training closer to home.

Internship placements have also been initiated at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and ADK Hospital in Malé. Meanwhile, Hulhumalé Hospital is in the process of establishing its own programme.The introduction of internship opportunities in regional hospitals is expected to ease congestion in Malé-based institutions, improve access for graduates in outer islands, and strengthen healthcare services at the decentralised level.