Government to develop 100-bed tertiary hospital in Vilimalé

The government has launched a survey to explore the potential development of a 100-bed tertiary hospital in Vilimalé.

Ibrahim Haleem, the CEO of Dharumavantha Hospital, which would be managing the new tertiary hospital in Vilimalé, spoke with Mihaaru News on Wednesday evening, December 27, noting that the current hospital in Vilimalé is insufficient to cater to medical services for patients.

While emphasizing that service improvement is a crucial pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the CEO of Dharumavantha Hospital stressed that the current hospital in Vilimalé is not suitable for an infrastructure upgrade in its current condition.

The government decided to establish a tertiary hospital in Vilimalé to cater to the anticipated population increase once the island gets linked with Gulhifalhu and Giraavaru after their reclamation and development.

Haleem said that post the survey, physical works are expected to begin in 2024. He added that the government aims to complete the hospital within two years.

"...adequate consultation rooms and laboratories are lacking. [The hospital] is able to handle emergency cases only, with just five beds in the ER. It is imperative to establish an adequate medical facility. Instead of planning for the next 2-3 years, we have decided to expedite efforts for a 100-bed tertiary hospital in Vilimalé. Once completed, the place would deliver all the services available from a tertiary hospital," Haleem said.

Haleem further revealed that the new tertiary hospital would be developed on the premises of Vilimalé Hospital if the survey findings ensure its feasibility.

He added that if the survey assessment reveals the current hospital ground to be inadequate, the building would be demolished first before the new hospital is built. In such a case, a temporary clinic or a medical center would be established for Vilimale' residents.

"Sea ambulances would be facilitated for emergency cases," he said.

The Dharumavantha Hospital CEO further assured that the hospital would be developed in an eco-friendly manner since Vilimalé is being redeveloped as an environmentally-friendly village island.

The government is currently working on securing funds for the hospital. Corroborating the Minister of Health, Haleem affirmed the assistance of the Chinese government towards the development of the new tertiary medical facility in Vilimalé.