The first of several general practice (GP) clinics planned across Malé City is set to open in August, according to the CEO of the Malé City Group of Hospitals, Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem. The clinics aim to reduce congestion at the capital’s main hospitals by treating common illnesses closer to residential areas.

Speaking on PSM News' Raajje Miadhu programme, Abdul Razzaq stated that the first clinic is currently being developed at the Coral Boulevard Building in Maafannu. He added that efforts are also ongoing to establish three additional GP clinics in other areas of Malé. A total of four GP clinics are planned in Malé City, with two further clinics to be constructed in Hulhumalé.

Construction of the Hulhumalé clinics is expected to begin in the coming days. Abdul Razzaq explained that these clinics are designed to manage non-critical health concerns, which often occupy space in hospital emergency departments. Services provided at GP clinics will include initial consultations, sample collection, blood tests, and X-rays. If further treatment is necessary, appointments with specialist doctors will be arranged through the clinics.

Abdul Razzaq highlighted that currently, many patients seek emergency services for mild illnesses, contributing to long wait times and pressure on resources. He stated that the introduction of GP clinics would help divert these cases away from emergency departments, allowing hospitals to focus on more serious conditions. The GP clinics will also offer services similar to those currently provided by Dhamanaveshi, a Government-run public health centre.

He further noted that under the existing system, patients often visit doctors without referrals and struggle to secure appointments with specialists. This leads many to seek services from private clinics, often incurring additional personal costs. GP clinics, he said, would simplify access to care and reduce unnecessary expenses.

The model mirrors healthcare systems in other countries, where patients are encouraged to consult local or family clinics for common ailments instead of going directly to large hospitals. Officials believe this approach will make healthcare more accessible and efficient.

In addition to serving residents of Malé, hospitals such as Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and Hulhumalé Hospital also accommodate a large number of patients from the atolls. IGMH receives over 150,000 emergency, general practice, or general illness visits annually, while outpatient consultation numbers stand at approximately 240,000. Hulhumalé Hospital receives more than 238,000 visits per year.