The development of a 100-bed hospital in Vilimalé is set to begin next year, according to Malé Group of Hospitals CEO Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem.

Addressing the current status of the project, CEO Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem explained that the contract is currently being drafted. This follows discussions between the Maldivian and Chinese governments, during which meeting minutes were signed to formalise the agreement.

Vilimalé, with a population of approximately 15,000, currently lacks a hospital capable of meeting the community's healthcare needs. The existing facility operates with just five emergency beds and three inpatient rooms, forcing many residents to travel to IGMH or Dharumavantha Hospital for even the most basic medical services.

China’s CIDCA has already conducted feasibility studies for the project and is expected to begin the contractor selection process within six months of the tendering phase. Practical construction work is expected to commence mid-next year, with completion anticipated within two years.

The 100-bed hospital will significantly enhance healthcare access for Vilimalé residents, alleviating the reliance on hospitals in Malé and addressing long-standing challenges faced by the island’s population.