Male' City Group of Hospitals will add 172 beds to Male' region's healthcare facilities within three months as part of the Government's planned expansion to enhance hospital capacity by 800 beds. The announcement was made by Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem yesterday on MMTV's Bodu Khabaru programme.

The initiative comprises multiple projects across three major hospitals, with Abdul Razzaq identifying the bed shortage as the healthcare sector's most pressing challenge.

"In the next two to three months, God willing, we shall increase from 316 to 488 beds in this area," he said.

A cornerstone of the initiative is a new 100-bed hospital planned for Vilimale', following a recently signed agreement with China. Construction is expected to commence in June or July next year, a project that emerged from President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's first foreign visit after taking office.

As part of the immediate improvements, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) will receive 75 new beds, with completion targeted for this year. Similarly, Hulhumale' Hospital's expansion includes two additional emergency unit beds to be built by Road Development Corporation (RDC) within two months, followed by a further extension of 28 beds.

The current expansion, whilst substantial, represents the initial phase of a larger healthcare infrastructure development. Abdul Razzaq noted that additional capacity would be necessary to meet the capital region's healthcare demands.

The development aligns with President Dr Muizzu's campaign pledge to add 800 beds to the region's healthcare infrastructure, a commitment Abdul Razzaq assured would be fulfilled by the current Government.