Addu Equatorial Hospital invests $9.7 million to expand specialized medical services

Addu Equatorial Hospital (AEH) is currently implementing a series of infrastructure upgrades valued at approximately $9.7 million to enhance healthcare delivery in the southern Maldives. The projects aim to reduce the reliance on travel to Malé for specialized treatment, easing the financial and emotional strain on patients and their families. Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Adeel Naseer detailed the developments during a PSM News program, highlighting a $3.2 million initiative funded by the Bank of Maldives (BML). This project will see the construction of a three-story building featuring 10 private rooms, addressing one of the most frequent requests from the public. The official handover of the land plot is expected within the coming days. Beyond patient accommodation, the hospital is focusing on high-specialty medical capabilities. Plans are underway to establish a hyperbaric chamber facility to treat decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends." This service is viewed as a critical addition given the high volume of diving activities throughout the southern atolls. Further upgrades include a $1.29 million project to modernize executive rooms, which has already cleared the design phase. The hospital is also expanding its therapeutic and specialized treatment offerings to better serve as a regional hub. As the largest healthcare provider in the south, AEH functions as a vital referral center for Addu City and neighboring atolls. To ensure these new facilities are effective upon completion, the hospital is actively recruiting additional medical and support staff to manage the expanded capacity. These strategic investments represent a shift toward decentralized healthcare, ensuring that residents of the southern atolls have access to modern, high-standard medical services closer to home.