The Ministry of Health, on Tuesday, announced that the National Ambulance Service would be initiated in the greater Male' region within the week.
Speaking to local media outlet Mihaaru, Deputy Health Minister Ahmed Naseer revealed that the service would initially be made available in the capital of Male', the reclaimed suburb of Hulhulame and Velana International Airport (VIA).
He noted that starting off the new ambulance services was part of the government's ongoing COVID-19 response with the mobilisation of a total of 11 land ambulances.
To acquire ambulance services, individuals can call 1676, the same hotline number dedicated to COVID-19 related inquires.
Assuring that the service would later be extended for usage in all medical emergencies, Deputy Minister Naseer revealed plans to introduce sea ambulances between Vilimale' and Male' before the end of 2020.
According to the deputy minister, nationwide ambulance service would commence with the hotline number 100.
Despite noting that the COVID-19 pandemic had sidelined the state's initial aim to extend the National Ambulance Services across the entire country by the end of 2020, he noted that efforts to train call centre staff, drivers and paramedics were currently underway.
On Sunday, the Maldivian Red Crescent, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Maldives Police Service instructed 40 participants at a training programme.
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