Speech Therapy Services Launched at Shaviyani Atoll Hospital

Speech therapy services have been officially launched at Shaviyani Atoll Hospital, fulfilling a request made by residents during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to Funadhoo on 15 October last year.

During the visit, residents raised the need for speech therapy services in the atoll, and the president pledged to introduce the service as soon as possible.

The hospital has now opened registration for the service and confirmed that it will provide a range of therapeutic support for patients with different communication and cognitive needs.

The services offered include recovery therapy, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) therapy, cognitive skills therapy, interpersonal and conversational therapy, therapy for hearing-related difficulties, dysphagia therapy, voice therapy, therapy for learning and study-related challenges, as well as treatment for speech delays, speech disorders and comprehension difficulties.

Shaviyani Atoll has a relatively large number of residents requiring speech therapy. Until now, patients from the atoll had to rely on services available at Haa Dhaalu Regional Hospital or travel to facilities in the Malé area.

The introduction of speech therapy services at Shaviyani Atoll Hospital is expected to ease access to treatment for residents and reduce the need for families to travel long distances to receive specialised care.