After remaining unused for nearly one and a half years, the Cath lab at Equatorial Hospital in Addu City is now seeking an operator.

Ministry of Finance has invited applications from Maldivian and foreign firms to manage and operate the facility for a period of five years. The deadline for applications is 29 June.

The lab, completed in October 2023, has yet to be put to use. Speaking to Mihaaru News, Equatorial Hospital CEO Dr Ibrahim Yasir said the delay is due to challenges in recruiting an interventional cardiologist, a specialist required to perform procedures in the Cath lab.

He said that it is decided to outsource the service to ensure treatment can begin soon.

The facility is equipped to perform angiography, as well as a range of invasive and non-invasive procedures for diagnosing and treating heart conditions. A general cardiologist has been serving at the hospital since May last year.

Yasir said he hopes interventional services can begin within the next two months, significantly reducing the need to transfer patients from Addu City and Fuvahmulah to Male' for cardiac treatment.

“Time is critical in heart cases. Treating patients here will allow us to save lives without the delay of travel,” he added.