Health Minister: Services to Prioritize Accessibility, Not Island Population

Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has announced a major policy shift, stating that health services will be implemented based on resident accessibility rather than island population size. The minister made the remarks during the inauguration of Phase Three of development at Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital. Minister Nazim said President Mohamed Muizzu aims to steer the health sector in a new direction within his five-year term, with consistent policy implementation being paramount. He highlighted two key initiatives driving this change. The first is the expansion of dialysis services. Currently concentrated in high-population areas, the government plans to establish dialysis units on 10 islands, with further expansion to follow. This move aims to ease the significant burden on residents who must undertake sea travel for essential treatment. "We are working to extend them to mid-sized populations and prioritise regions where such illnesses are on the rise," Nazim stated. The second initiative is the nationwide rollout of laboratory services. The minister announced that 16 islands have already begun offering these services, with a pledge to make them available on every inhabited island by the end of 2026. This addresses a long-standing hardship for smaller communities. "For residents of smaller communities, travelling to larger islands has long been a significant hardship," Nazim said. With Local Council elections approaching, the Health Minister emphasized the vital role councils play as the first tier of service delivery in a decentralised system. He noted that delays in implementing such policies have historically contributed to service gaps and underscored the need to support effective local governance. He urged that political efforts focus on the national interest, warning that progress must not be disrupted by actions driven by political gain.