President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has approved the creation of new health centres in six wards of Malé and across the atolls, designed to provide primary healthcare and general practitioner services to citizens.

The decision, made following a Cabinet meeting on Sunday, stems from a proposal by the Ministry of Health aimed at improving healthcare access in underserved areas.

These centres are part of the Government's broader initiative to strengthen the healthcare system, respond to growing demand for primary care, and reduce waiting times for specialist consultations.

The Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Social and Family Development will work together to ensure the centres are operational by the end of the year, focusing on efficiency and minimizing wastage.

To speed up the process, President Dr Muizzu has directed an inspection of existing buildings to expedite the establishment of centres in Malé and regional cities.

This initiative is part of the Government's wider healthcare reform efforts, which also include upgrading Dharumavantha Hospital to a tertiary care facility and inaugurating Hulhumalé Hospital as a centre for advanced medical services.