New Kiribaa Health Centre building to include dedicated space for children receiving blood transfusions

Construction work on the new building of Kiribaa Health Centre in Hithadhoo is underway. The centre currently operates for 16 hours a day with one doctor and five nurses, but faces a critical shortage of space, with only three beds available for admitting and treating patients, and a lack of privacy. Laboratory and X-ray services are not currently available at the centre. Administrator of Health Services at Kiribaa Health Centre, Fatima Sanee, stated that blood samples for tests must be sent to Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital. While blood transfusions for children with thalassemia are administered at the health centre, the compatibility tests are sent to Kulhudhuffushi. The new building will feature a dedicated spacious area for admitting and treating children with thalassemia, as well as a laboratory and staff quarters. The contract for the new building was awarded to MTCC last August during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's visit to the island. President Muizzu stated that the new building would include a laboratory, ward, procedure room, nursing station, garage, storage area, and a public health unit, and that upon completion, health services would be available 24 hours a day.