First cath lab outside Male' city launched in Addu with a fully Maldivian team

The catheterization laboratory (cath lab) at Addu Equatorial Hospital was officially reopened on Wednesday, marking the first time such a facility has been established outside Male'.

The service is being launched in collaboration with Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), the country’s main tertiary hospital. Speaking at a joint press conference held at Addu Equatorial Hospital and IGMH, Male’ City Hospitals Group (MCGH) CEO Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem said the cath lab is being operated with a fully Maldivian team.

Haleem described the launch as a significant step in the government’s efforts to expand advanced healthcare services to rural regions.

A cath lab plays a critical role in diagnosing and treating heart conditions. It enables procedures such as angiography, as well as invasive and non‑invasive interventions for cardiovascular disease.

The government awarded a five‑year contract on June 12 to manage and operate the Addu cath lab. The facility was initially developed during the previous MDP administration.

The first cath lab in a government hospital was opened at IGMH in 2016. A similar service is also available at ADK Hospital.