The Government has signed a tripartite agreement to launch air ambulance services to Thailand and Dubai, expanding international medical evacuation options for Maldivian patients.

The agreement was signed on Sunday between the Ministry of Health, Island Aviation Services Ltd (Maldivian), and the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA). Deputy Health Minister Ahmed Hamdhan Nasir signed on behalf of the Health Ministry, while Maldivian Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas and NSPA CEO Heena Waleed signed for their respective institutions.

According to Maldivian, the Maldives Emergency Medical Services unit is being established under the Health Ministry and will operate round the clock. The service will be staffed by emergency doctors, nurses, EMTs, call-centre officers, and trained drivers, ensuring 24/7 response capability.

The air ambulance expansion forms part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to strengthening the health system and enhancing emergency care. 

A domestic air ambulance service has been in operation since 1 March last year. So far, 1,840 patients have been airlifted to Malé for urgent treatment through the existing service.