Sixteen Maldivian doctors have completed specialist training and joined Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and Dharumavantha Hospital so far this year, according to Male' City Group of Hospitals CEO Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem.

In a social media post on Thursday, Haleem said the newly trained specialists and sub-specialists include doctors trained in disciplines that are being introduced to the Maldives for the first time.

These include neuro interventional radiology, pediatric dentistry, neonatology and clinical hematology. Other specialists have joined key departments including orthopedics, internal medicine, neurology, radiology, ear, nose and throat (ENT), gastroenterology, plastic surgery, vascular surgery and pulmonology.

Haleem said the expansion of specialist services is an important step towards reducing the country's reliance on overseas healthcare and strengthening the national health system.

He said the development reflects President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's priority of expanding healthcare services within the Maldives.

Haleem also urged staff at the two hospitals to continue improving the quality of care while serving patients with compassion and professionalism.