President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to enable health centres across the country to directly access services from relevant institutions.

Speaking to residents of Alifu Dhaalu Maamigili during his ongoing tour of the atoll, the President explained that under the current system, health centres receive medicine and other support through regional or atoll hospitals. He said this process will be restructured so that health centres can directly access services from the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Ministry of Health, the State Trading Organization (STO), and other relevant institutions.

According to the President, the change will also involve improvements in software, staffing and human resource management, allowing health centres to function as independent institutions. He said this system will be in place by the end of this year and fully operational at the start of next year, increasing efficiency in areas such as medicine distribution and staffing.

President Dr Muizzu also stated that all islands are equally important to him, regardless of their population size. For larger islands such as Maamigili, he said the focus will be on medium to long-term sustainable development.

He also highlighted the Government’s 20-year national development plan, which is currently in its consultation phase, describing it as a key pledge of his Administration. The plan aims to guide national progress in line with the priorities and aspirations of citizens.

Speaking about Maamigili’s ongoing development, the President said one of the island’s most significant projects is road development. He noted that previous issues had delayed the work but confirmed that they have now been resolved. Surveying and tarring works are under way, and both the contractor and the Government have given assurances that the project will be completed within this year.

The President further announced that national identity card and passport services will be introduced in Maamigili this October. He described these as essential services and said his goal is to make them accessible across all atolls, reducing the need for people to travel long distances or to Malé. Similarly, he noted that while some may make light of the initiative, the expansion of ATM services is an important step in addressing the long-standing inconvenience faced by residents who must travel to other islands for basic financial services.

On waste management in Maamigili, the President said work is ongoing to make the system more sustainable by transferring its operation to the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) before the end of the year.

The President added that, in addition to Mahibadhoo, a Public Works Unit will be established in Maamigili to handle maintenance and waste management across the atoll, creating new job opportunities and helping to reduce operational costs.

Highlighting other projects, the President said a sports complex will be developed early next year, and the ongoing school project will be completed before the next academic year to resolve current challenges. He also noted that under the RTL ferry network expansion, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll is expected to be connected next year, with only a short delay of a few months anticipated.

The President went on to say that the Government is working to establish a picnic island in every atoll, a pledge he had previously announced. He confirmed that Alifu Dhaalu Atoll will also receive one, and that the Cabinet is currently preparing a policy paper to guide the process in response to public demand.