Maldives Health Minister Abdulla Ameen has assured that the archipelago has enough resources to tackle the current COVID-19 situation.
The minister attended Wednesday’s Parliament session to answer inquiries raised by Thimarafushi MP Abdulla Riyaz and Mulaku MP Ibrahim Naseer. The questions were mostly on the availability of heath services in the atolls and COVID-19 treatment facilities.
Speaking at the Parliament, the minister said the government worked to obtain the necessary resources for its COVID-19 response since day 1. However, there are some challenges in obtaining some resources, the minister acknowledged.
The Speaker of the Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed then noted that health officials had shared an estimate of the resources necessary to cater to the Maldives population in a worst case scenario. He inquired from the minister if the resources had been obtained.
In his response, Minister Ameen said a list on national requirements was prepared, and efforts were initiated to procure the items. However, the requirements have not been met until now, said the minister. However, the resources available now is enough for the current situation, assured the minister.
The minister further noted that there were some limitations due to budget constraints, but said that the government would prioritise health services and saving lives. Therefore, health services will not be interrupted, he added.
