Meedhoo Health Centre Upgraded, Paving Way for New 30-Bed Hospital

The Meedhoo Health Centre in Raa Atoll has been officially upgraded to a Level 4 facility, a key step in its transformation into a full hospital. The recognition came during a ceremony attended by Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar. The upgrade formalizes the centre's expanded role, as it had already been operating beyond its previous Level 3 capacity. Serving over 2,000 residents on Meedhoo and nearby resorts, the 24-hour facility has seen its patient base grow with the introduction of specialist services in internal medicine, paediatrics, and gynaecology, drawing people from neighbouring islands. With this administrative milestone achieved, the government has now begun practical work to develop the site into a modern 30-bed hospital, a project set to significantly strengthen healthcare access across the atoll. Currently, the centre is operated by five doctors—including two medical officers—and 48 supporting staff. Its journey of enhancement began with round-the-clock operations starting in 2014, followed by the specialist services launched last year, which have collectively demonstrated the facility's capacity for delivering higher-level care to the community.