Maldivian to begin air ambulance flights to Thailand and Dubai

An agreement was signed on Sunday between the Ministry of Health, Island Aviation Services Ltd (Maldivian), and the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) to launch air ambulance flights to Thailand and Dubai, as part of the government’s efforts to expand emergency medical transport services.

The agreement was signed by Deputy Health Minister Ahmed Hamdhan Nasir on behalf of the Health Ministry, Maldivian Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas, and NSPA CEO Heena Waleed.

In a press release issued Sunday, Maldivian stated that the Maldives Emergency Medical Services is being established under the Health Ministry. The service will operate 24/7, staffed by trained doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians, call center personnel, and drivers specialized in emergency transport.

The air ambulance initiative is part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to strengthen the health system and expand emergency healthcare services. It was included in the administration’s “Government Week 14” deliverables. The domestic air ambulance service has been operational since March 1 last year.

To date, 1,840 patients have been transported to Malé for emergency treatment via air ambulance.

While Aasandha services are currently most commonly accessed in neighboring India, the expansion to Thailand and Dubai aims to broaden international medical evacuation options. Though the service has been available to some extent, it has not yet been widely utilised.