Flight Schedule Adjusted to Expedite Emergency Evacuations

Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen, has announced a shift in flight schedules to prioritise emergency evacuations. 

This decision comes in the wake of a recent tragic incident that resulted in the unfortunate demise of a 13-year-old, with some attributing the unfortunate outcome to a delay in transporting the patient to the hospital.

Minister Ameen clarified that, under the previous protocol, doctors were required to submit a form to the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) or Aasandha for approval to transport a patient in emergency cases. 

Subsequently, a Maldivian Airlines aircraft, provided free of charge, would be allocated for patient transportation. However, delays were observed as the airline often lacked available aircraft for immediate transport.

The Minister detailed the implementation of a new procedure aimed at expediting patient transport in emergency cases. Under the revised approach, hospitals will directly notify Maldivian Airlines of the patient’s situation. 

The national airline will promptly adjust the flight schedule to accommodate the emergency transport. Minister Ameen emphasized that the government is committed to prioritising responses to emergency situations involving citizens.