New Nalhdhoo Health Center building to bring 24-hour services and lab facilities

Construction of a new three-story building for the Nalhdhoo Health Center in Haa Dhaalu Atoll is underway, with plans to expand services to 24 hours and introduce laboratory facilities for residents. The center currently operates for 16 hours daily with only one doctor and six nurses, and has just six beds for patient admissions. Residents have raised concerns over the lack of additional services beyond doctor consultations, particularly the absence of laboratory services on the island. Senior Political Director of the Nalhdhoo Health Center, Abdullah Fikree, told PSM News that the biggest challenge is having only one doctor, but he hopes the new facility will address space difficulties and enable more staff. The contract for the project, valued at 11 million Rufiyaa, was awarded to MTCC. The new building will include a ten-bed ward, a laboratory, a public health unit, and other essential services. Fikree expressed hope that construction will be completed within next year, with materials already delivered to the island.