Vilimale' China-Maldives Friendship Hospital project signed

The new tertiary hospital to be built in Vilimale’ with free assistance from China will be named Vilimale China-Maldives Friendship Hospital, highlighting the close relationship between the two nations.

The announcement was made during a ceremony held at Dharumavantha Hospital today, where Construction Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib and Chinese Ambassador to Maldives Kong Xianhua signed a letter of exchange. Speaking at the event, Ambassador Kong said that the upcoming hospital will be the largest and most advanced medical facility in Maldives once completed.

Ambassador Kong also emphasized that the hospital’s name symbolizes the strong bilateral ties between China and the Maldives, similar to the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge (Sinamale’ Bridge), which was also constructed with Chinese aid.

In his remarks, the Ambassador noted that 96 percent of medical equipment used in China's over one million health facilities is domestically manufactured.

He also highlighted the country's progress in healthcare, which has contributed to an increase in life expectancy from 35 to 75 years over the past 70 years. Drawing from China’s experience in building large-scale healthcare facilities including the world’s largest hospital, he expressed confidence in the quality of the new Villimale’ hospital.

Minister Muththalib stated that once the project is approved, remaining work will be expedited. Construction work is expected to begin early next year after the design phase and contractor selection are completed. He affirmed the timely delivery of the project following the agreement with China.

Although a hospital is currently operational in Villimale’, it provides only limited treatment. The government plans to significantly upgrade healthcare services in the region, particularly as work on the Thilamale’ Bridge progresses and more people begin to settle in nearby areas.

Minister Muththalib also pointed out the ongoing space constraints at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). He said that until a new hospital is built in Gulhifalhu, the Villimale’ facility will be crucial in meeting healthcare demands.