Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen on Saturday inaugurated CT scan and Cardiac Centre services in Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
Developed as part of the government's plan to develop five hospitals across the country to tertiary standards, the new Cardiac Centre will offer all non-evasive cardiac tests such as echocardiograms, treadmill testing and holder monitoring.
According to Health Ministry, 74 emergency patients were referred to other hospitals for CTs and cardio tests within the past year alone.
Most of these patients were referred for evaluations through chartered or scheduled flights, which costs MVR 125,600 or MVR 14,966 per patient, respectively. Oftentimes, additional costs for food and accommodation for family members factor in as well.
Therefore, the ministry noted that introducing these services in the southern region will significantly reduce the cost of referrals.
As per Health Ministry's statistics, an average of 305 patients seek treatment from Kulhudhuffushi Hospital daily. On Saturday this number increases to 650.
Various patients from Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani and Noonu Atolls travel to Kulhudhuffushi for treatment which is not available in most islands.
Health Ministry states that the newly introduced facilities at the hospital can be accessed by over 64,000 people in the region.
Currently, Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital employs 28 doctors, 78 nurses, and 16 other medical practitioners.
Sign In