Vice President Faisal Naseem on Sunday held extensive discussions about the administration’s healthcare sector developmental plans for the Raa Atoll region with the management of the Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital. The Vice President is on Ungoofaaru Island as the last leg of his six-island tour of the atoll.

At the meeting, the Vice President briefed the hospital management about the administration’s plans to expand and strengthen healthcare services provided at the hospital, including installing new equipment and introducing new services. The Vice President noted that, with the proposed introduction of Raajje Transport Link ferry services in the region, the number of patients seeking services at the hospital would significantly increase. He also noted the importance of providing specialised treatments at the facility.

The Vice President also affirmed the administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges in providing healthcare services in the region, including issues related to sea ambulance services and access to medicine and other pharmaceutical products.

Briefing the Vice President about the hospital operations, the management team noted the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in the region, requiring referrals to facilities in Malé City. They also emphasised the importance of capacity building simultaneous with infrastructure and service improvement efforts.

Before the meeting, the Vice President toured the facility, met with the staff, and called on some patients. He also visited the project site of the hospital’s extension building and inspected the progress. The extension project is part of the administration’s plans to develop tertiary hospitals in five regions across the country.