Maldives Targets Basic Cancer Hospital Services in Hulhumale’ by 2028

The Maldives government aims to launch basic diagnostic and treatment services at the new 500-bed multispecialty cancer hospital in Hulhumale’ by 2028. Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali announced the timeline during a parliamentary session on June 23, responding to inquiries from Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim. Located in the second phase of Hulhumale’, the facility will feature a dedicated 25-bed cancer treatment unit. While the government prioritizes basic services by 2028, advanced treatments—including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and PET scans—will be phased in subsequently. The hospital will also integrate multispecialty services focusing on maternal and child health. The initiative comes as the nation faces a rising tide of cancer cases. In 2025 alone, 120 new patients—67 women and 53 men—were registered. The reliance on foreign healthcare remains a significant financial burden; 5,755 patients have sought treatment abroad through the Aasandha universal health insurance scheme, costing the state USD 24.3 million. To bridge the gap until the new hospital is operational, the government has reserved nine beds for cancer care at both Hulhumale’ Hospital and Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). Additionally, the Ministry plans to expand cancer services into Addu City, Haa Dhaalu, Lhaviyani, Raa, and Gaafu Dhaalu Atolls. Efforts to improve early detection are already underway, with mammography screening now available at five regional hospitals, as well as facilities in Fuvahmulah City and Baa Atoll. Currently, the government maintains contracts with 15 hospitals in India and two in Sri Lanka to provide specialized care for Maldivian citizens. To better understand the local health crisis, Minister Geela revealed that a comprehensive epidemiological study will be launched during the current presidential term to investigate the underlying causes of cancer within the Maldives, supplementing the existing national cancer registry.