President Muizzu Announces Expanded Ambulance Services Through Aasandha from April 1

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that ambulance services will be available for non-emergency purposes through Aasandha from 1 April onwards.

He made the announcement today at his weekly press conference at the President’s Office, noting that the government has established a new policy to expand access to ambulance services beyond the current arrangements. The president said the policy follows extensive discussions with relevant authorities and careful consideration of financial and operational factors.

“This is a request that comes very frequently from the citizens. This is something that has faced many difficulties and has been in need of relief for some time. We are bringing this change after discussing it, and I am confident that this will provide ease and convenience to the citizens,” President Muizzu said.

Expanded Scope of Ambulance Services

Under the new policy, ambulances can be requested through Aasandha for:

• Transporting individuals in emergencies or urgent situations
• Transporting deceased persons
• Bedridden patients seeking outpatient services
• Wheelchair users seeking outpatient services
• Persons with disabilities, including physical, mental, autism, and Down syndrome, seeking outpatient services
• Patients being transferred between health centres for further treatment
• Transport to jetties or airports in cases of evacuation

Ambulance Provision Across the Islands

The government has previously carried out a special project to provide ambulances to islands across the Maldives. Last month, ambulances were delivered to 56 islands, and further deliveries are being made in two rounds this month. Work is also underway to acquire paramedic-equipped ambulances for islands with larger populations, with deliveries expected next month.

The National Ambulance Service was introduced in the Maldives on 25 October 2023, by the former administration.