Male' City Group of Hospital (MCGH) CEO Ibrahim Haleem has stated that the cancer hospital, previously planned for development at the empty plot annexed with IGMH, has now been relocated to Hulhumale'. He added that the hospital will be built on a contractor finance model.
In an interview with Mihaaru News, Haleem said that the specialized cancer hospital will be developed through the 500-bed tertiary hospital project in Hulhumale' Phase 2. A dedicated space for Diagnostic Centre for Oncology Services (DCOS) will be constructed on the same plot, he said, where PET Scans, radiation therapy and other related services will be provided.
Although the construction of the cancer hospital itself may be delayed, work on developing the DCOS will begin within the year, Haleem said.
The establishment of a specialized cancer hospital was first discussed during the administration of former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. At the time, the government planned to develop the hospital in L. Gan under line of credit from India. The project, however, remained stalled even as Solih's term concluded. The incumbent government then decided to develop the cancer hospital on the empty land adjacent to IGMH.
Haleem said that the location has since been changed due to space constraints and safety concerns.
He stated that they have now received proposals showing interest in developing the hospital. The matter has been discussed in the Economic Council, and the issue forwarded to the Construction Ministry for further action, including detailed drawings, he said.
"Cancer hospital, with finance, has now been confirmed. Hopefully, work will commence on the project within the year. The tertiary hospital that we are building in Hulhumale' Phase 2, part of that hospital will be specialized for cancer care. The other half, we are thinking, will be dedicated for women and child health," Haleem said.
Once construction of the cancer hospital is completed, it will be joined with DCOS, he said.
While cancer cases continue to rise, many have voiced concerns about the lack of cancer treatment in-country, requiring patients to spend long periods abroad for necessary treatment.
