Addu Cath Lab opens, treats seven patients within two days

The Cath Lab established at Addu Equatorial Hospital (AEH) officially opened yesterday after a wait of one and a half years.

In an online press conference held by the hospital, CEO Dr. Ibrahim Yasir stated that seven individuals have already sought services within the first two days of operation. These cases included four angiograms, one cerebral angiogram, and two angioplasties.

While an angiogram is a diagnostic test to identify issues, the actual treatment is performed via angioplasty. The Cath Lab in Addu was initially set up in 2023, and the hospital noted that starting services after nearly two years of efforts marks a significant advancement for the region.

Dr. Yasir explained that extensive work was undertaken during the period leading up to the opening.

Although there were initial attempts to operate the center through a foreign party, it was ultimately decided to launch the Addu Cath Lab services in collaboration with the Cardiac Center at IGMH. He further noted that the newly introduced treatments would benefit all atolls in the southern region.

Dr. Fatimath Amani Naseer, the hospital’s Medical Director, highlighted that approximately five patients are referred to Malé every week for heart-related issues. She pointed out that since Aasandha does not cover travel for these tests, each patient currently incurs significant expenses to travel to Malé.

"It will bring eases to both patients and their families. With the services started here, patient safety will be ensured," Amani said.

AEH Director Shah Saeed explained that the Cath Lab will provide treatment in two ways: for suspected heart conditions, a date for testing will be scheduled, and in cases requiring urgent care, doctors will either be sent to Addu or the patient will be transported to Malé if that is deemed the best course of action.

Ibrahim Haleem, CEO of the Malé City Group of Hospitals, emphasized the desire to expand healthcare services while keeping them under Maldivian management, noting that this was the reason for launching the Addu Cath Lab with IGMH doctors.

Dr. Shaneez Nazmy, a cardiologist at IGMH, reflected that before heart services were introduced in 2016, he witnessed people passing away due to a lack of treatment. He expressed great joy that the service is now available in Addu, stating that many will benefit from it.

"Patients will be saved from complications," he said. Dr. Shaneez added that with the opening of the Addu Cath Lab, 60–70 percent of heart-related cases can now be treated in Addu without the need for referrals to Malé.