Health Minister Geela Ali has held discussions with officials from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) on the development of a 50-bed hospital in Thaa atoll Veymandoo.

Health Ministry said the meeting focused on the proposed hospital project and ways the Kuwait Fund could support the development of the Maldivian health sector and improve access to quality healthcare services.

During a visit to Veymandoo in September last year, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu pledged to develop the island's atoll hospital and address the healthcare needs of its residents.

He also assured residents that steps would be taken to improve services at the existing hospital while construction of the new 50-bed facility was underway.

President Muizzu said his administration aimed to end the need for people to travel long distances and pay high costs to access healthcare, pledging to make essential services available closer to their homes.