Air ambulance services to expand to Thailand and Dubai

Maldives’ national airline, Maldivian, has signed an agreement with Island Aviation to expand its air ambulance services beyond Male' to Thailand and Dubai.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony held at the Health Ministry, with Deputy Minister Ahmed Hamdhan Naseer, Island Aviation Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas, and NSPA CEO Heena Waleed signing on behalf of their respective institutions.

Launched on March 1, 2024, the national air ambulance service has so far transported 1,840 patients to Male' for emergency treatment. Until now, operations have been limited to domestic medical transportations.

While discussions have been held to begin air ambulance flights to Sri Lanka, an agreement has not yet been finalized. 

Island Aviation MD Ibrahim Iyas told Mihaaru News that Maldivian’s role under the new agreement is to arrange flights to Thailand and Dubai once necessary permissions are obtained and doctors recommend the transfer.

Air ambulance transfers continue to require approval from Aasandha and authorization from the Health Ministry’s designated committee.

Iyas added that agreements have been signed with two foreign air ambulance providers to facilitate patient transfers to Dubai and Thailand.

“If a patient has to be sent tomorrow, all the necessary preparations have already been made,” he said.