Three-Day Surgical Camp Brings Specialized Medical Care to Thinadhoo Residents

The Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare, in partnership with Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital, has launched a three-day surgical camp in Thinadhoo. Running from June 11 to 13, the initiative provides residents of the island and the wider atoll access to high-level surgical expertise, removing the need for patients to travel to Malé for specialized treatment. A team of ten specialists is spearheading the camp, covering a wide array of medical fields including general, laparoscopic, and plastic-reconstructive surgery, as well as gynecology, urology, bariatric, oncologic, and neurosurgery. Supported by anesthesia experts, the team is providing both immediate outpatient consultations and advanced surgical procedures for patients suffering from complex or long-standing conditions. Beyond direct patient care, the program focuses on sustainable healthcare development. The visiting specialists are conducting technical workshops and training sessions for local doctors and nurses to enhance the hospital's internal surgical capacity. Furthermore, the team is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital’s existing services, which will culminate in a detailed report to guide future infrastructure and service improvements. To facilitate patient access, the hospital has established dedicated registration counters to minimize waiting times and ensure an efficient workflow. Individuals seeking consultations or surgical interventions can schedule appointments by calling the 1555 helpline. This camp is a strategic component of the government's broader provincial health policy. By decentralizing advanced medical services, the Ministry aims to reduce the burden on referral systems in the capital and ensure that citizens in the atolls receive a standard of care equal to that available in the capital city.