Air Ambulance seaplane put to operation

A seaplane as been put to effective operation of the Air Ambulance service launched by the government.

Maldivian, the national airline, confirmed this to 'Sun' media. A special inauguration ceremony was held at 14:30 on Thursday afternoon.

Earlier, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced two planes will be commissioned for the air ambulance services which include a DHC-8-200 domestic aircraft and a seaplane.

President Muizzu took to X to share an image of the seaplane that will be used to ferry patients across Maldives. The image shared by the president showed a Maldivian seaplane with the livery specific for the air ambulance services.

The government previously confirmed 15 medical and trained professionals will be employed on the ambulances, along with medical equipment necessary while ferrying patients.

Introduction of air ambulance services is a key pledge of President Muizzu, and is included in the Hafthaa-14 (Week-14) roadmap.

With the air ambulances, the government plans on lifting patients abroad, if required. Maldives government confirms Sri Lanka has permitted to lift patients under emergencies; with permission to lift them given within two hours from the time of notice.

The air ambulance service is a joint effort by the Ministry of Health, NSPA and Island Aviation Services.