Maldives Invests MVR 316 Million to Upgrade Regional Hospitals to Tertiary Level

  • Maldives
PUBLISHED 23 April 2025

In an effort to expand access to advanced healthcare services, the Maldivian government has partnered with two state-owned enterprises (SOEs) for the construction and upgrade of three hospitals, at a combined project value of MVR 316 million. These projects aim to enhance facilities to tertiary-level standards and reduce the need for patients to travel to Malé for specialized treatment.


The agreements were officially signed during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health. Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) and Road Development Corporation (RDC) were awarded the contracts under a design-and-build model.


MTCC will undertake two major developments. First, the company will construct a new building for R. Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital to transform it into a tertiary healthcare facility. This project, costing MVR 161.2 million, is expected to be completed in 17 months. Additionally, MTCC will expand the capacity of GDh. Thinadhoo’s AbduSamad Memorial Hospital at a cost of MVR 147.4 million, also with a 17-month timeline.


Meanwhile, RDC has been tasked with the development of a labor room complex and intensive care unit (ICU) at Lh. Naifaru Hospital. This project, valued at MVR 7.7 million, is set to be completed within 12 months.


Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim emphasized that the upgraded hospitals will be capable of offering a full range of tertiary services. He also noted that more regional healthcare facilities would be developed in the coming years.


Dr. Ahmed Ashraf, Director General of Health Sciences, highlighted the importance of these developments, pointing out that common conditions requiring transfer to the capital—such as kidney, cardiac, and neurological diseases—can now be treated closer to home. He also mentioned that each regional hospital will eventually specialize in different areas of care to better serve their communities.


This strategic expansion of regional medical infrastructure is expected to improve timely access to treatment and ease the burden on central healthcare services in Malé.