911: Emergency call centre launched with extensive services

Maldives’ national emergency call centre, 911, was launched on Thursday night, with access to extensive emergency services via one platform.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Home Minister Ali Ihusan said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu decided on 911 as the emergency call centre number as it is widely known to the public with many foreign nations using the number for its emergency services. He also noted that the number is showcased as the number for emergency services in various cartoons and films – making it common knowledge.

Despite the official launch of the emergency service centre, Minister Ihusan said the service is not currently provided up to the standard desired by the government. Henceforth, he stressed the administration will seek avenues to further expand and enhance the service.

In this regard, the Minister said communications systems will be further developed to shift to a system capable of GIS mapping. Other efforts in the pipeline as per the Minister include a single-view dispatch software for the entire Maldives and speeding up response time.

Furthermore, the Minister said staff working at the call centre will receive training abroad to further enhance the quality of services provided.

“The assurance I want to give to citizens is that the quality of this service will be improved day by day. While this service will be available across various dispatch centres across the country, we assure that this service will become quintessential,” he said.

Minister Ihusan reiterated that efforts were being undertaken to improve the quality of services at the emergency facilities established across the Maldives.

The introduction of a shortcode for all emergency services is an electoral pledge of President Muizzu. The pledge has been realized with the emergency call centre launched on Thursday night through which callers can seek services from police, MNDF, ambulance, coastguard and fire and rescue.