The ADK Hospital has become the first medical facility in the Maldives to officially launch a Hyperbaric Treatment Unit, or decompression chamber.
The hospital’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Abdulla Niyaf inaugurated the services on Tuesday at a special ceremony where the Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom was the chief guest.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), or decompression treatment is a specialized treatment using a combination of higher ambient pressure and concentrated oxygen. It is used to heal burns, decompression sickness, and non-healing wounds among others.
At the ceremony, the minister highlighted the importance of having a decompression chamber in a healthcare facility in the country since Maldives is known for its dive-safe practices.
The minister also added that a decompression chamber in the capital will give relief to the tourism industry as well, with growing demands.
ADK Hospital had earlier provided specific training for three of its doctors from Singapore, to become familiar with using the decompression chamber. The hospital also trained nurses and support staff as well.
The ceremony concluded with a demonstration of the HBOT and a speech from PADI Course Director and Managing Director of Diving Desk, Adam Ashraf. In his speech, Ashraf highlighted his experience teaching divers how to avoid decompression completely and said his wish was for divers to never have to use such a therapy. Ashraf, however, said he was happy that such treatment was made available and accessible for those who required it.
Besides ADK, a total of four resorts have their own in-house decompression chambers.
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