Malé City Group of Hospitals CEO Ibrahim Haleem has stated that Dhamana Veshi is being closed in order to conduct repair work and then to subsequently reopen it as an Urban Primary Healthcare Center (UPHC).

Haleem told Mihaaru News that the building where the Thalassemia Center previously operated out of will be changed to a health care center where common diseases will be treated. And so, he said that Dhamana Veshi will be temporarily closed from tomorrow onward.

The Thalassemia Center has been operating alongside Dhamana Veshi for a number of years. However, the center was moved to Hulhumale' last year, with the Maldivian Blood Services (MBS) building being vacant as well.

Haleem said that as the building has seen wear and tear over the years, it is in need of major repairs. Some places inside the building will be torn down and built in order to offer health services.

After the demolition, it will be handed over to a company for repair.

Haleem went on to say that the new UPHC will be built similarly to the center in Maafannu.

The UPHC in front of Rasfannu offers services from Dhamana Veshi and the GP Clinic.

"Those services are currently available at the UPHC. More employees will also be brought on as the GP Clinic is well under operation," said Haleem.

Employees of Dhamana Veshi have expressed concern due to the closure and their transfer to other centers.

An employee stated yesterday that there was no 24-hour notice after the Health Ministry and senior officials from IGMH had gone to Dhamana Veshi and decided on one of two places the employees would be transferred to.

The Health Ministry had issued to the employees that they were to be transferred to either the GP Clinic in Hulhumale' Phase 2 or to the Rasfannu UPHC.