A team from India arrived in the Maldives on Sunday to carry out survey work on the Cancer Hospital being constructed in L. Gan.
The team from India, which includes two oncologists from Mumbai's TATA Memorial Center (TMC) will carry out a preliminary survey and identify available resources and services.
The cancer hospital project is funded under a USD 800 million line of credit extended by the Indian government. The loan has to be repaid over 20 years following a five year grace period. The interest rate on the loan in 1.75 percent.
Tests and investigations that can detect cancer will be available at the cancer hospital. Treatment and rehabilitation services will also be provided at the hospital. Before the hospital is officially opened, medical tourism will be introduced to the region and a registry of cancer patients in the Maldives will be compiled. Medical professionals will also be trained under the project. In this regard, 250 local health officials will be trained.
The cancer hospital project was announced by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in December 2019 during a video conference call between President Solih and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Over 100 cancer patients are detected in the Maldives every year. The third most common cause of death in the Maldives is cancer.
