Construction of mental health hospital yet to begin

Construction of a hospital dedicated to psychological and mental health treatment in Laamu Atoll has yet to begin, despite earlier assurances from the government, and the project has faced delays.

Health Minister Abdullah Nazim Ibrahim told Mihaaru News in June last year that all arrangements had been completed to build the hospital under the Indian Line of Credit, and that construction would begin before the end of the year.

However, the physical work of the mental health hospital did not begin by the end of last year, and no further information has since been released. As a result, it remains unclear why the project has been delayed and when construction will actually commence.

While the construction of a dedicated mental health hospital remains stalled, the government decided to cover all costs related to mental health treatment under the Aasandha scheme from December 31 last year, providing free access to such services nationwide.

Meanwhile, the construction of a cancer hospital, also planned with Indian assistance during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, has yet to begin as well.

The previous government had initially decided to build the cancer hospital in Laamu Atoll Gan. However, the plan was later changed, with the cancer hospital relocated to the Male' area, and Gan designated instead for the mental health hospital.

The Health Ministry said it is currently working on plans to build the cancer hospital, though negotiations remain at an early stage.