The Ministry of Health has confirmed that laboratory services have been established in 11 islands as part of a nationwide programme to expand diagnostic facilities to islands that previously lacked laboratory services.

The initiative, launched in February 2024, aims to ensure access to basic laboratory testing across inhabited islands. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said laboratory services will be rolled out in line with island populations by the end of this year, noting that limited access to diagnostic facilities remains a concern for residents in several atolls.

For years, residents of islands without laboratory services have had to travel to regional hospitals or Malé City to access basic testing, resulting in additional costs and delays. The expansion programme is intended to reduce these disparities and improve access to essential health services closer to communities.

According to the Ministry of Health, 76 islands that previously did not have laboratory facilities have been prioritised for development this year. As of 18 February, laboratory services have been made operational in 11 islands, with further facilities scheduled to be established in the coming months.

The Ministry said laboratory services play a central role in disease detection and timely treatment, adding that the expansion of diagnostic capacity is expected to strengthen preventive care and improve overall public health outcomes across the Maldives.