Maldives targeting for vaccine tourism

Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has stated that the Maldives was targeting vaccine tourism, which will see tourists arriving in the Maldives offered vaccinations against COVID-19. 

The Minister was speaking in the parliament during a ministerial questioning session when he stated that the government had the idea to move towards vaccine tourism. 

"President Solih has the idea, which we also support. vaccine tourism...the three V's. To promote Visit, Vaccine, and Vacation tourism," said Minister Mausoom. 

He stated that the idea could be extremely advantageous since two doses of the vaccine within a specific timeframe was required in most vaccines. 

"Some scientists say the second dose must be administered after four weeks. Some vaccines require the second dose after three weeks. So, tourists could stay for three weeks. The longer they stay, the more beneficial," said the Minister. 

The vaccine tourism model was right now at a standstill in order to vaccinate the entire eligible population of the Maldives. The work would commence once the HPA makes a decision. 

"God willing, Maldives would be counted as a nation that begins vaccine tourism," said the Minister.