Japan hands over sea ambulance to Maldives to strengthen emergency healthcare across islands

The Government of Japan has donated a sea ambulance to the Maldives to enhance emergency healthcare access across the country’s dispersed islands.

The vessel was officially handed over at a ceremony attended by Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko, and Minister of Defence Ghassan Maumoon, who accepted the donation on behalf of the Maldivian government.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the donation was made under Japan’s Grant Aid for Economic and Social Development. The assistance is expected to strengthen healthcare delivery in remote communities and improve emergency response capacity.

Minister of Defence @mgmaumoon officiated the Sea Ambulance Handover Ceremony along with Her Excellency, Mrs. ISHIGAMI Rumiko, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, today.

This generous donation from the Government of Japan under the Grant Aid for Economic & Social Development… pic.twitter.com/Ks2HngfHva

— Ministry of Defence (@MoDmv) February 2, 2026

In addition to the sea ambulance, Japan also donated a vessel to the Maldives Customs Service last November to support port surveillance and management.

Sea and air ambulance services are currently available in the Maldives. The Defence Ministry has announced plans to establish new sea ambulance services in nine islands this year and resume operations in three others.