Health Minister Abdulla Ameen has revealed that Farukolhufushi island is being established as an isolation centre as part of the precautionary measures being taken by the government to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
The Maldives has been strengthening its preparation since the outbreak originated in Wuhan, China late last month. While the government has been establishing isolation centres around Male' city where the country's main airport is located, Farukolhufushi, which was previously used as a resort and is now a part of Hulhumale Phase II is being designated as a centre providing clinical treatment for those infected with the virus.
An isolation centre has already been established in Funadhoo island located five minutes away from the capital Male'. While three individuals who may have contracted the virus are being held in isolation at the facility, arrangements have already been made such that suspected cases can also be quarantined at Farukolhufushi. While no cases that require clinical treatment have been identified thus far, Minister Ameen said additional space is being arranged as a precaution.
“Farukolhufushi has now established as an isolation facility for treatment. We have not detected any infected person that needed clinical treatment thus far. Farukolhufushi is being set up to prepare for such a situation. As per the information that I have received, the island is well equipped and facilitated with the most appropriate treatment arrangement for such cases," said Ameen.
Minister Ameen said work is underway to acquire additional machinery, equipment and consumables for the center. As the current circumstance of the world due to the outbreak is not a normal situation, it is important to think ahead and take vital action, said Minister Ameen.
“Based on how things turn out, places other than Farukolhufushi may need to be established. We are preparing and making arrangements before such a situation arises," he added.
It is confirmed that an ICU with 4-beds and other necessary facilities has been designated for serious cases of coronavirus. The ICU is located at the 11th Floor of Dharumavantha Hospital, an extension to the state-run Indira Gandi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).
In addition, three ambulances are on standby to carry suspected cases; one ambulance at IGMH, a second ambulance at Velana International Airport and another at reclaimed suburb Hulhumale’.
Health minister Abdulla Ameen
