Over 150 Healthcare Development Projects Ongoing Nationwide, Says Health Minister

Health Minister Geela Ali has stated that healthcare facilities across the atolls continue to face major challenges, including limited space and operational constraints.

According to the minister, a significant portion of essential healthcare infrastructure projects remains incomplete. She stated that 159 development projects are currently underway to address these issues, including the construction of 39 new hospitals and the expansion of 94 health centres aimed at increasing service capacity.

The minister said some islands are still providing healthcare services from rented buildings, while existing health centres in other islands are unable to introduce additional services because of insufficient space.

Geela also highlighted the importance of strengthening the healthcare workforce, particularly by increasing the number of Maldivians employed in areas where local participation remains low. She noted that healthcare projects currently underway are at different stages, ranging from design work to foundation construction.

The minister said approximately 1,700 employees joined the healthcare sector last year, while a further 1,900 workers are expected to enter the sector this year as part of ongoing workforce development efforts.

She stated that healthcare development in the Maldives has historically focused on short-term solutions rather than long-term planning, describing such an approach as unsustainable. According to the minister, the current strategy prioritises sustainable expansion, particularly in addressing limitations related to space and infrastructure.

The minister also noted ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on the Greater Malé region for healthcare services. Over the past two years, several specialised medical services have been introduced in the atolls, including MRI, CT scan, X-ray and ultrasound services.

Laboratory services are also being expanded, with plans to make basic testing available on every island. The government aims to establish laboratories in 76 islands by the end of the year.