Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has stated that the government’s health policies will prioritise ease of access to services rather than the size of island populations, as part of a broader decentralisation strategy.
He made the remarks during the inauguration of Phase Three of development at Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, where new healthcare services were introduced. The Minister said that under the vision of Mohamed Muizzu, the health sector is set to undergo significant transformation over the current five-year term, with a strong focus on consistent policy implementation.
Nazim highlighted two major initiatives aimed at improving nationwide healthcare access. One key project is the expansion of dialysis services to 10 islands, with further growth planned. He noted that this would significantly reduce the burden on patients who currently need to travel long distances by sea to receive treatment.
“These services are currently concentrated in more populated areas. We are working to extend them to mid-sized communities and regions where such health conditions are increasing,” he said.
Another major initiative is the rollout of laboratory services across all inhabited islands, regardless of population size. According to the Minister, 16 islands have already begun providing such services, with a national target set for full coverage by the end of 2026.
“For residents of smaller islands, travelling to larger islands for basic tests has always been a major challenge. The President has prioritised addressing these everyday difficulties rather than focusing only on large-scale infrastructure projects,” he added.
With upcoming local council elections, Nazim emphasised the importance of councils as the first level of service delivery in a decentralised governance system. He noted that past delays in policy implementation contributed to the lack of essential services such as dialysis and laboratory facilities in many areas.
The Minister urged that political activities should not hinder national development, stressing that efforts must remain focused on improving services for all citizens across the Maldives.
