Maldives inaugurates project to establish laboratory services in 76 islands

The Health Ministry has inaugurated a project to establish laboratory services in 76 islands – an initiative run under the administration’s ‘Hafuthaa 14’ roadmap.

The project was inaugurated by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef in a ceremony held on Thursday. The event was attended by Health Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, Principal Secretary to the President of Public Policy, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim and other top government officials.

Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner of Quality Assurance, Thasleema Usman stressed the need for laboratory services in health facilities in order for doctors to confirm their diagnosis and provide patients with the treatment they require.

She said that the government has therefore decided to establish point-of-care laboratories in islands that lack laboratories.

“Four islands are now able to run crucial tests via this project that uses gadgets and kits in islands that lack laboratory services. This service will be expanded to the remaining 72 islands over the next three months,” she said.

Thasleema said the project will allow all residential islands provide emergency healthcare and to run tests to diagnose common diseases.

“This will speed up treatment, enabling early intervention,” she said.

She added that the service will also significantly reduce the cost incurred by public to access laboratory services.