Shaviyani Atoll Health Upgrades Bring 24-Hour Care and Lab Services

Healthcare access in Shaviyani Atoll has seen a significant upgrade following the inauguration of new facilities on the islands of Feevah and Narudhoo by the Minister of Health, Family, and Welfare, Geela Ali. On Feevah, the local health center has officially transitioned to round-the-clock service following the opening of a new extension building. Previously limited to 16 hours of operation per day, the facility now provides 24-hour care, marking a critical shift in emergency and primary healthcare availability for the island's residents. Minister Geela described the move to 24-hour service as a monumental milestone. The new extension now houses the Public Health Unit and administrative operations, a move designed to streamline medical services. The Minister noted that these improvements are part of a broader strategy to establish Feevah as a model island for disease prevention and public health. Simultaneously, residents of Narudhoo now have immediate access to essential diagnostic services with the launch of new laboratory facilities at the Narudhoo Health Center. The opening eliminates the logistical burden previously faced by locals, who were forced to travel to neighboring islands for routine medical tests and blood work. This facility is the 21st laboratory established across the atolls under the current administration. The project aligns with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s presidential pledge to ensure every inhabited island in the Maldives possesses a fully functioning laboratory. Following the ceremonies, Minister Geela toured both facilities and held discussions with healthcare management and staff. The meetings focused on the current state of healthcare delivery and identifying the future needs of these coastal communities to ensure sustainable medical support.