Maldives Signs Agreement to Launch Air Ambulance Flights to Thailand And Dubai
Photo: Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health, Island Aviation Services Ltd (Maldivian), and the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) have signed an agreement to introduce air ambulance flights to Thailand and Dubai, marking a new phase in the government’s efforts to expand emergency medical transport services.
The tripartite agreement for the air ambulance service expansion to Dubai and Thailand was signed between MoH, @MaldivianAero and @NSPAmaldives , marking a significant milestone in providing emergency medical services in the Maldives.#AirAmbulance #MoH pic.twitter.com/sd5dj5BVbz
— Ministry of Health (@MoHmv) November 16, 2025advertisement
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The agreement was signed yesterday by Deputy Health Minister Ahmed Hamdhan Nasir on behalf of the Health Ministry, Maldivian Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas, and NSPA CEO Heena Waleed.
According to a statement issued by Maldivian, the Maldives Emergency Medical Services is being established under the Health Ministry to provide round-the-clock emergency medical care. The service will be staffed by trained doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians, call centre teams, and specialised drivers.
The initiative forms part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to strengthen the national health system and broaden access to emergency healthcare. It was listed among the administration’s commitments under “Government Week 14”. The domestic air ambulance service has been operational since 1 March last year.
Since its launch, 1,840 patients have been transported to Malé for emergency treatment through the air ambulance service. The new international routes to Thailand and Dubai are intended to widen medical evacuation options for patients who require urgent overseas care. Although international transfers have been carried out previously, they have not yet been widely utilised.
Aasandha services are currently most frequently used in India, but officials expect the expanded air ambulance network to improve accessibility to alternative treatment destinations.
