Japan Donates Sea Ambulance to Strengthen Emergency Healthcare in Maldives

The Government of Japan has donated a sea ambulance to the Maldives to enhance access to emergency healthcare across the country’s geographically dispersed islands.

The vessel was officially handed over during a ceremony attended by the Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko, and Minister of Defence Ghassan Maumoon, who accepted the donation on behalf of the Maldivian government.

The Ministry of Defence stated that the donation was provided under Japan’s Grant Aid for Economic and Social Development programme. The assistance is expected to strengthen healthcare delivery in remote island communities and improve national emergency response capacity.

Japan has also extended support to the Maldives in other areas of maritime security. In November last year, a separate vessel was donated to the Maldives Customs Service to assist with port surveillance and management.

Sea and air ambulance services are currently in operation across the Maldives. The Defence Ministry has announced plans to establish new sea ambulance services in nine islands this year, while resuming operations in three additional islands.