Major project to connect hospitals via speedboats launched

Speedboats have been handed over to hospitals following the inauguration ‘Maldives Health Line’ as part of efforts to enhance healthcare services across the nation.

The speedboats were handed over by Health Minister Ahmed Naseem during the launching ceremony of ‘Maldives Health Line’ held at the Republic’s Square on Monday.

As per the Health Ministry, the project is aimed at providing healthcare services to people from closer proximity. Under this system, outreach programs will be conducted at other islands in atolls through their respective regional hospitals in addition to the provision of specialist doctor consultations on a regular basis. Regular home visits for bed ridden patients will also be carried out under this system.

Moreover, Health Ministry states arrangements have been made to use drone technology under this system to transport samples, emergency medicine and consumables among other things between islands; a first in the Maldives.

Prior to launch of the project, various research was conducted collaboratively by stakeholding authorities including State Trading Organization (STO) and Civil Aviation Authority in addition to workshops with guidance from experts.

Health Ministry cited the purpose of using drone technology as leveraging the latest technology to boost healthcare services, while also expediting the provision of available services. One drone, which will be used for the purpose, has been brought to Maldives already, while the next one is due within this month, said the Ministry.

At the completion of the project, Maldives Health Line’s service will be expanded to 20 atolls. The project is estimated to cost MVR 55 million.