Nazim: Despite unfinished cancer, thalassemia hospitals, healthcare in these fields improved

Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahimstates that, although the current administration has failed to complete specialized hospitals in three key medical fields as pledged, the quality of healthcare provided in these specializations has been improved.

The current administration has pledged to develop specialized hospital for the treatment of mothers and babies, thalassemia and oncology.

The development of a specialized hospital for oncology with India’s assistance had been announced during the last MDP administration as well. However, physical works on the project had never been commenced. The current administration contacted a Malaysian company to develop a specialized hospital for oncology on October 15, 2024. However, there has not been much progress on the project to date.

Speaking on SSTV’s Baaru Hathareh program on Tuesday, Minister Nazim states specialized hospitals for these fields require special priority in the Maldives based on disease trends across the country.

He added that, despite efforts to accelerate the development of these hospitals with support from various foreign partners, disagreements on certain issues have necessitated further discussions.

“Although these hospitals have not yet been completed and brought into operation, the development of the Maldivian health system, particularly in these three areas, is progressing rapidly,” he said.

In this regard, he explained that efforts are ongoing to introduce cancer testing and expand treatment services in both Malé and the atolls. As part of these efforts, the Minister noted that cancer testing has now been made available at atoll hospitals that previously did not offer it.

In addition to this, he noted that thalassemia services have been enhanced with the new Thalassemia Centre in Hulhumalé, which replaced the facility that had been in use for 20 years. Apart from this, the Minister said special arrangements have been made for thalassemia patients to easily consult specialist doctors and undergo tests which were previously not available.

Minister Nazim added that the government was undertaking efforts to enhance health services provided to mothers and babies. In this regard, he detailed that fertility treatments which were previously not available under the Aasandha scheme are now available under the state health insurance scheme.

“The services of the fertility centre established in Dharumavantha Hospital have been sought by many, with growing trust [among patients],” he said.

The Minister assured that the government will be undertaking all efforts necessary within the confines of law to enhance health services in these three fields and complete the development of the specialized hospitals.