The Ministry of Health has officially signed agreements with three private companies to upgrade health centres in six islands aimed at decentralising health services and reducing the need for travel to Malé.

At a ceremony held on 31 July, Deputy Minister of Health Ismail Zahir signed the contracts on behalf of the ministry. Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim and members of Parliament representing the relevant constituencies were also in attendance.

Perfect Malafehi Maldives Pvt Ltd has been awarded two projects: the upgrading of health centres in Alifu Alifu Vashafaru and Haa Alifu Thuraakunu. The Vashafaru Health Centre will receive a new ward, private room, laboratory, nurse station, procedure room, garage, and storage space. The project, valued at MVR 4.8 million, is scheduled for completion within 210 days. Meanwhile, the Thuraakunu Health Centre will be enhanced with additional office space, a meeting hall, a public health office, laundry and storage facilities. That project is budgeted at MVR 3.4 million and will be completed within 180 days.

Econ Maldives Pvt Ltd has been contracted with upgrading the health centre in Noonu Lhaimagu. The scope of work includes the addition of a ward, private room, laboratory, nurse station, procedure room, garage, and storage area. The project is valued at MVR 4.8 million and will also be completed within 180 days.

Meanwhile, Fara Construction Pvt Ltd has been assigned to carry out upgrades in three islands: Dhaalu Magoodhoo, Faafu Bilehdhoo, and Faafu Dharanboodhoo. In Magoodhoo, the health centre will see the addition of a ward, laboratory, nurse station, procedure room, laundry, and store room. The project will cost MVR 4.8 million and is scheduled for completion within 180 days.

The Bilehdhoo Health Centre will be equipped with a ward, laboratory, nurse station, labour room, and storage facilities, at a cost of MVR 4.3 million, to be completed in 180 days. Meanwhile, the Dharanboodhoo Health Centre will be expanded to include a ward, private room, laboratory, nurse station, procedure room, garage, and storage room. The project, worth MVR 4.8 million, is expected to be completed in 210 days.

According to the Health Ministry, these upgrades reflect the Government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of healthcare services across the Maldives.