Government to Operate All Tertiary Hospitals Under Single Management

The government has decided to run all tertiary hospitals under a single management under the name "Maldives Group of Hospitals" in order to strengthen the health system and improve service standards. Speaking on PSM's "Nation Chat" podcast, President Muizzu stated that by linking the tertiary hospitals in Malé and the atolls under one system, healthcare costs would decrease and service quality would be maintained uniformly. The main objective is to facilitate treatment within the country and reduce the number of people who need to go abroad for medical care. "This will not happen completely in one or two years. However, several significant steps will be taken. Once they are taken, we will advance in achieving this goal," Muizzu said. Noting that work on the hospitals is progressing, Muizzu stated that integrating them into one unit would bring significant benefits in procurement and staff management. Additionally, instead of disposing of unused medical equipment from one hospital, these items could be transferred to other hospitals that require them. "When integrated into one unit, the mentioned expenses and unnecessary costs will decrease, efficiency will increase, and the services received by the citizens will improve," Muizzu said. Muizzu stated that while this work will begin with next year's budget, all tertiary hospitals will be converted to this system within the next three or four months. This includes hospitals in Malé as well as Laamu, Fulhadhoo, Thinoordhoo, Addu, Kulhudhuffushi, and Ungufaru. It has been decided to strengthen the work using existing staff and digital resources without hiring additional employees in making this change.