Maldives to Establish Laboratories on All Inhabited Islands this Year, Says Minister

Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim stated that laboratories will be set up on all inhabited islands of the Maldives by the end of the year, equipped to conduct basic tests and staffed with trained laboratory technicians.

Speaking to Heena Waleed on the sixth episode of the podcast Tharujamaanaa Eku (With the Spokesperson), Minister Nazim said the initiative aims to reduce pressure on healthcare services in Malé while enabling citizens to access essential diagnostic services from their home islands.

Minister Nazim said that diagnostic services are a key area for improvement, including the provision and establishment of laboratory facilities. When the current administration began, 76 islands lacked laboratory services. The initial goal was to implement a point-of-care policy to provide the most basic testing facilities on these islands, which was achieved during the first year of the administration.

“The government has decided to set up physical laboratories on all the islands of the Maldives by the end of 2026, and to deploy lab technologists to ensure that all laboratory services are accessible to the general public,” he said.

Outlining progress so far, the minister said laboratories have already been opened in several locations. 

“In this vein, we are working right now. Last month, I went and opened laboratories in four places. More are planned for the future,” the minister said.

Minister Nazim also stressed the importance of public trust in the healthcare system, noting that standardised procedures are key to ensuring consistent quality of care nationwide. 

“It is very important in a healthcare system to have the trust of the citizens. In order to do this, we have to have established SOPs and ensure they are accepted worldwide as well,” he said.

He added that significant work has been done to strengthen clinical standards.

“Last year alone, we developed 41 treatment guidelines. This year’s budget also includes the development of treatment guidelines and the training of the personnel needed for them. We will continue to do that,” he said.

The minister stated that the initiative will result in more consistent treatment for common diseases across the country. With widely accepted treatment guidelines in place, patients in different islands, such as Hinnavaru or Addu, will receive care under the same protocols, ensuring uniform, high-quality treatment nationwide.