Maldives on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) of India for technical assistance in cancer treatment and prevention facilities in the country.
During the signing ceremony under the name of 'Cancer Care Beyond Borders', Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen represented Maldives while Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan signed on behalf of India.
According to local media, Minister Ameen declared that India will train doctors, nurses and other relevant practitioners in cancer treatment. Ameen highlighted that the agreement would result in major developments in cancer treatment.
He further elaborated that RCC would provide aid to Cancer Centre of state-run Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital and other medical institutions across Maldives.
Presently, chemotherapy is the most accessible method of cancer treatment in the country. Dr Mohamed Shifaan remains Maldives' only Surgical Oncologist.
RCC is providing assistance as part of the MoU on Cooperation in the field of Health, signed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his official visit to Maldives in June.