The government on Sunday, signed agreements with a Chinese company to develop four regional hospitals in the north and south of the Maldives.
The projects have been awarded to the Chinese International Development Corporation Agency to expedite the hospitals’ development, the Ministry of Health said without providing any further details.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid, said that the development of the Maldives' health sector will commence without further delays.
"We hope that the close relationship between the Maldives and China will continue to strengthen through our efforts of mutual cooperation," Shahid said.
The government initially contracted the design and construction of the new hospitals in Haa Alif Dhidhoo, Raa atoll Alifushi, Dhaalu atoll Kudahuvadhoo, and Gaafu Alif atoll Vilingili to Telecommunication Consultants India Limited (TCIL) on May 30, 2022.
The EXIM Bank of India funded the projects through a USD 57 million (MVR 882 million) credit scheme. Due to the bank providing the funds, it also sought a developer for the project.
Under the initial agreements, the Indian contractor was to develop a 50-bed facility in both Dhidhoo and Kudahuvadhoo and a 30-bed facility in Alifushi.
The Maldives and Chinese governments signed three other key agreements on Sunday, which included the extension of Sinamalé Bridge maintenance, and the Maldives National Museum; both of which were constructed through the support of the Chinese government.
Sign In