Sea ambulance service launched in Velidhoo

The sea ambulance service was officially launched in N. Velidhoo today.

Establishing this service in the island was a pledge made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his visit to the island in July last year. Speaking at the island previously, the President had stated that the service would be initiated within this month.

The service was inaugurated at a ceremony held today by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Fathimath Mizna Ali.

During the ceremony, Mizna stated that this milestone is another link in the efforts being made to enhance the health and well-being of the Maldivian people under the government’s "Maldives First" policy. She further noted that introducing this service within the month demonstrates that President Muizzu is a leader who delivers results.

"Today, we see the happy evidence that President Dr. Muizzu is a leader who fulfills his word, shows results accordingly, and honors his pledges letter by letter," she said.

According to Mizna, the primary goal of this government under the "Maldives First" policy is to prioritize the self-empowerment of Maldivians in matters related to their lives and safety.

She remarked that Velidhoo is one of the largest islands in the atoll for safari boat building, trade, and local tourism; therefore, establishing the sea ambulance service is not just an advancement for the health sector. Mizna stated that this is a strong shield for the efforts to advance the island's economy and something that gains the trust and confidence of investors.

Previously, the sea ambulance service in Noonu Atoll was established only in Manadhoo. Mizna mentioned that the sea ambulance in Manadhoo sometimes has to transport patients all the way to Malé, and during such times, there were difficulties in transporting patients within the atoll.

However, with the establishment of this service in Velidhoo, she said these issues would be alleviated. Mizna also stated that the government will acquire an additional 9 ambulances within this year. She noted that some of these sea ambulances will be used in three islands where the service is currently interrupted and that work is also underway to upgrade the sea ambulance fleet.