Dialysis services will be launched in all atolls of the Maldives by the end of the year, Health Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has said.
Answering questions from members of the Parliament at Tuesday's parliament sitting, Dr. Khaleel said the government's policy is to provide various health services in the atolls to reduce the burden on the country's main hospital, IGMH in Male' City.
The minister said CT scan services, MRI services, and dialysis services can be started in all atolls. In particular, dialysis services will be started in all atoll hospitals before the end of this year, he said.
“We are working on upgrading and improving services in those [atoll hospitals],” he said.
Khaleel acknowledged that as the main government hospital, there are many improvements that can be brought to IGMH. IGMH's management is working to identify and rectify operational challenges as part of a comprehensive improvement plan, the minister revealed.
Minister Khaleel said the establishment of services in the atolls and increasing medical personnel and resources can effectively address the issue of prolonged waiting periods for IGMH services.
The introduction of dialysis services in atoll hospitals was a priority during the last President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government. The former government established dialysis services in HDh. Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, R. Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital, B. Eydhafushi Atoll Hospital, Lh. Naifaru Atoll Hospital, GDh. Thinadhoo Dr. Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital, L. Gan Regional Hospital, Gn. Fuvahmulah Hospital, and Addu Equatorial Hospital.
