Dharavandhoo Health Centre Begins Dialysis Services
New dialysis services launched at Dharavandhoo Health Centre | Photo: Health Ministry
The Dharavandhoo Health Centre in Baa Atoll has commenced dialysis services, marking a significant step in the government’s efforts to decentralise specialised healthcare.
The facility was inaugurated by Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim and is expected to reduce the reliance on Malé for essential kidney treatment.
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ބ. ދަރަވަންދޫ ޞިއްޙީ މަރުކަޒުގައި ޑައިލިސިސް ޚިދުމަތް ފަށައިފި pic.twitter.com/2kYa94dJDm— Ministry of Health (@MoHmv) August 22, 2025
For many patients, travelling to the capital for treatment has posed logistical and financial difficulties. With two dialysis beds now in place and an internal medicine specialist based at the centre, the Dharavandhoo unit is positioned to provide consistent care closer to home.
The expansion means that most regions of the country now have access to dialysis services, though Alifu Dhaalu, Vaavu, Faafu and Dhaalu atolls remain without such facilities. Dialysis is vital for patients with end-stage kidney disease, who require the procedure multiple times a week to remove toxins and excess fluids from the blood. Reliable access to treatment is considered essential for both health and quality of life.
The introduction of dialysis in Dharavandhoo forms part of a wider government initiative to strengthen the national healthcare system. The administration has outlined plans to improve access to affordable medicines, restructure the national health insurance scheme Aasandha, and introduce legislative reforms aimed at enhancing regulatory oversight.
