Air ambulance will transport patients even to Thailand: President

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that with the launch of the first air ambulance service in the Maldives on March 1, emergency medical transportation for the sick will be made possible even to Thailand via the Dash 8 aircraft.

"Therefore, our air ambulance service is being developed to that standard," he said in a press statement after concluding his first state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He further said that air ambulance services will commence after converting one of Island Aviation's Dash 8 aircraft into an ambulance. The President stated that the process is already underway.

"It has many advantages. In addition to being able to reach Malé City from the northernmost or southernmost part of the country in a short time, even if a patient has to be taken abroad to Thailand in a medical emergency, the Dash 8 will be used. Patients will be transported in the air ambulance," President Dr. Muizzu said.

The government had earlier said that despite beginning air ambulance services with two aircrafts, the number will be increased with time.

The introduction of air ambulances in the Maldives has been a presidential promise made by President Dr. Muizzu during his first 100 days in office.

Until the health facilities in this country are developed, the people of the Maldives, unlike now, will go to higher-quality hospitals like Dubai and Bangkok, with accommodation expenses covered by Aasandha. --- President.

The president said that the government has decided to expand the services of the state's medical insurance system, Aasandha, to the UAE and Thailand. The expansion of Aasandha's services will include covering any costs incurred during the stay.

"While Maldivian health facilities evolve, this will enable our residents to receive medical treatment from high-quality hospitals such as those in Dubai and Bangkok, unlike the current international health facilities frequented. All accommodation and expenses will be covered by Aasandha. God willing, we will arrange these things for our people," the President said.

President Muizzu said yesterday that the government has initiated the process of establishing a system where the 900,000 sq km exclusive economic zone in the Maldives can be managed by Maldivians through the surveillance system.

“God willing, we will soon establish our capacity to oversee this wide area”, President Dr. Muizz said.