Chemotherapy services for cancer patients have been launched at Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital, expanding access to cancer treatment in Raa Atoll.

Speaking to State media, the hospital said nurses have been trained to deliver chemotherapy with the support of staff from Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). Two nurses have completed the specialised training, and a dedicated chemotherapy room has been established, allowing two patients to receive treatment simultaneously.

Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital has opened registration for patients seeking chemotherapy services. Patients are requested to contact the hospital in advance to arrange the required medication for each session. The hospital noted that chemotherapy treatment plans differ depending on the type of cancer and individual patient needs, and sufficient time is required to source medications from abroad. Patients currently receiving chemotherapy elsewhere, or those preparing to begin treatment, have been urged to inform the hospital as early as possible.

The hospital currently does not have an onco or cancer specialist on site and is providing services in collaboration with the oncology department of IGMH. In cases requiring immediate specialist care, arrangements will be made to transfer patients to Malé without delay.

Statistics show that Raa Atoll has the fourth highest number of registered cancer patients in the Maldives. Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital reported that 58 patients in the atoll are currently receiving treatment for cancer.

The first chemotherapy service in the Maldives was introduced in 2014, while the first service outside Malé began in 2020 at Lhaviyani Atoll Hospital in Naifaru. By 2023, chemotherapy services had also been established at Dr Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital and Khulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital.

Cancer remains one of the most significant chronic illnesses requiring Maldivians to seek treatment abroad. Strengthening cancer treatment services within the Maldives remains a key priority for the Government to reduce the need for overseas care and improve access to timely treatment nationwide.