Ministry seeks foreign lab technicians to launch laboratory services

Health Ministry has announced it is seeking a large number of foreign laboratory technicians to begin laboratory services at health centres across Maldives.

In an announcement today, the ministry said it is seeking to recruit 60 laboratory technicians to work in health centres and hospitals in various island communities. Applications must be submitted by Tuesday. 

Speaking on a podcast titled “Tharujamaanaa Eku” on Friday, Health Minister Abdullah Nazim Ibrahim said effective medical treatment must begin with a strong and reliable diagnostic system.

“If the diagnostic system cannot be trusted, no one will trust the prescription. Without strengthening diagnostics, it is not possible to talk about improving the health system,” he said.

As part of the government’s efforts, the minister said laboratories will be established in all residential islands by the end of this year. Laboratories were opened in four islands last month.

The ministry said today’s recruitment is for the first three months of this year. In addition to lab technicians, 50 foreign nurses are also being sought for health facilities in islands.

According to the ministry, the remuneration package for laboratory technicians includes a basic salary of MVR 5,610, a service allowance of MVR 2,500, a living allowance of MVR 3,000, and a food allowance of MVR 1,800.

Minister Nazim said the government is also working to establish urban centres, under which the health sector will be further developed. Services such as CT scan facilities are being installed as part of this initiative, he said.