China tasked with conducting research on building 100 bed hospital in Vilimale'

The Government of Chinese has been tasked with conducting research on building a 100 bed tertiary hospital in Vilimale'.

Vilimale' is located just a five minute ferry ride away from the capital city and considered part of Greater Male' area.

The agreement was signed between the Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, Dr Abdulla Muththalib and the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Wang Lixin.

Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure stated that the technical details of the project will be identified and documents necessary for the tender phase of the work will be prepared during this stage.

CEO of Dharumavantha Hospital, Ibrahim Haleem who also manages operations of the Vilimale' Hospital, said during an interview with Mihaaru News last December that the Vilimale' hospital is unable to provide adequate healthcare services despite being run under the label of a hospital.

He stated that therefore, even if improving health services there is a pledge of President Dr Muizzu, the current building is unsuitable for the purpose.

He asserted that the the government decided to build a new, advanced hospital in Vilimale' due to the development of Gulhi Falhu and Giraavaru Falhu and the ongoing work to populate the islands and connect them with Vilimale' via a bridge.

Haleem said that practical work is set to begin this year after conducting surveys on the 100 bed tertiary hospital. The goal is to begin operations in two years after completing all practical procedures within that time, he said.

He added that the hospitable will be built on the land accommodating the current hospital if survey findings indicate the possibility of constructing a new building on the land. However, if adequate space is unavailable, Haleem stated that the new hospital will be built after demolishing the current Vilimale' hospital.