Health Minister: Little done to improve healthcare in last five years

Little was done to improve the healthcare sector during the last administration, says Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, adding that it is something the incumbent administration finds “deeply concerning.”

Khaleel was summoned to the Parliament on Tuesday. In response to questions by lawmakers, he said that some of the healthcare facilities were in poor condition, with doors falling off.

He said that this is something he has seen with his own eyes.

“…We find the lack of attention paid to the healthcare system during the five-year term deeply concerning. There was no repair or renovation done. Buildings are very rundown,” he said.

Khaleel said that the last administration had focused mainly on constructing administrative offices at healthcare facilities.

He said the incumbent administration prioritizes the development of the areas of healthcare facilities directly linked to provision of public services.

He said that once new buildings are constructed, the old ones will be used for other services, while the new ones will be used serve the public.

“…We want the building that the public uses to be the newest. Therefore, the buildings that will be constructed in islands will be service buildings. This means that the doctor consultation room will be there. The laboratory will be there,” he said.

Khaleel said that there were currently 57 ongoing healthcare projects across the country. He provided assurance there will be no disruption to the projects.

The last MDP administration had launched a number of healthcare projects, including a project to build hospitals in seven islands last year alone. It also signed with contractors to build tertiary hospitals in Kulhudhuffushi City and Thinadhoo City. However, the construction work has yet to begin.