Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has stated that laboratory services will be established in all islands of the Maldives by the end of this year, in line with the Government’s aim to strengthen diagnostic capacity across the national health system.

Speaking on Episode 6 of the Tharujamaanaa Eku podcast hosted by the President’s Office Spokesperson Heena Waleed, the Minister said that diagnosis is a core component of healthcare delivery and that the Government’s health policy prioritises expanding access to laboratory services in smaller island communities across the atolls.

Minister Nazim noted that when the current Administration assumed office, 76 islands did not have access to laboratory services. He explained that the Government’s objective is to ensure that basic diagnostic tests could be conducted in these islands through laboratories in every island.

According to the Minister, providing laboratory services nationwide by the end of the year remains a key Government priority and will be implemented once the necessary infrastructure, equipment and human resources are in place.

The Minister added that laboratory services have already been established in four islands this month, with opening ceremonies held for them. Further launches are planned as additional facilities become operational.

While working towards full nationwide coverage, the Ministry of Health is also undertaking upgrades to island health centres, including expanding physical space, upgrading facilities, and supplying required equipment, to enable the establishment of laboratory services in islands that currently lack them.

The initiative is aimed at improving early diagnosis, reducing the need for patients to travel for basic tests, and ensuring more equitable access to healthcare services across the Maldives.