On Wednesday, the catheterization laboratory (cath lab) at Addu Equatorial Hospital was officially reopened, making it the first facility of its kind outside Male'.

The service is being introduced in partnership with Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), the nation’s leading tertiary hospital. During a joint press conference at Addu Equatorial Hospital and IGMH, Male’ City Hospitals Group (MCGH) CEO Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem announced that a fully Maldivian team is running the cath lab.

Haleem referred to the launch as an important move in the government's initiatives to broaden advanced healthcare access to rural areas.

A cath lab is essential for identifying and managing heart disorders. It facilitates methods like angiography, in addition to both invasive and non-invasive treatments for heart disease.

On June 12, the government granted a five-year contract to oversee and operate the Addu cath lab. The facility was originally constructed under the previous MDP administration.

The initial cath lab in a public hospital was established at IGMH in 2016. A comparable service is also offered at ADK Hospital.