Addu Cath Lab to be operational within four months: Nazim

The Cath Lab at Addu Equatorial Hospital is expected to become operational within four months, Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim said today.

In a written response to a letter sent by Hithadhoo Central MP Ahmed Azaan on 14 May, the minister stated that 98 percent of the work including construction, installation of equipment, and service setup has already been completed.

Nazim said the next step is to secure a party to operate the facility, after which services will commence within four months.

The Cath Lab was established in October 2023 under the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. However, the facility has remained non-functional for the past six years.

The Ministry of Finance has invited expressions of interest from parties interested in managing and operating the Cath Lab for a five-year period.

Interested parties have until 29 June to submit proposals.

Once operational, the Cath Lab will be capable of performing a range of procedures, including angiography as well as invasive and non-invasive diagnostics for cardiovascular conditions.