Most opportune time to invest in health sector: Afaal

ADK Hospital Managing Director Ahmed Afaal has claimed that right now is the most opportune time to invest in the Maldives' health sector.

While speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the hospital's fifth "Brain and Spine" Conference, Afaal said that the Maldivian health sector had seen comprehensive growth in the last five years.

With the first neurosurgery performed in the Maldives marking its 10th anniversary next year, Afaal highlighted the strides made in developing other major health fields including ailments related to women.

Afaal further noted the importance of expediting efforts in health sector development which he said can be achieved by improving investments.

"We need to invest in the Maldivian health sector, and we need to tend to this sector... this, in fact, is an opportune moment to think profoundly about this," he said while speaking at the ceremony held at Villa Nautica.

The ADK Hospital MD further said the time was opportune since it was the state's transitional period, and stressed the need for technological improvement to improve efforts to ensure preservation of patients' lives.

He also noted the conference's role in providing information and education on new medical services and fields. Afaal said the conference assisted local medical sector professionals to understand international best practices and procedures in medical care.

The conference was officiated by Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed.

Following the assassination attempt made on him on May 6, 2021, Nasheed was first treated at the ADK Hospital. At the ceremony, Nasheed recalled his experience and praised the hospital for its exceptional services.

Afaal said ADK Hospital's service for Nasheed further amplified public's trust on the hospital.

"We need to find ways on improving the healthcare system and how to finance it. Other fields have already observed growth through taxation, so we need to develop the health sector from the tax benefits," Af'aal added.

He also said that several sectors, inclusive of health, have observed technological advancements in the past years. However, he pointed out that the health sector would have advanced by 50 years compared to other areas if primary focus was given on health sector improvement in the last 50 years.