The government moved swiftly on Monday to address concerns regarding the uninterrupted availability of medical supplies in the health sector.
This assurance came in response to apprehensions raised by the President-elect’s Office concerning the potential discontinuation of services at the heart and kidney care centre, located within the Maldives’ largest hospital, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). The heart and kidney care center, operated by a foreign company, faced an outstanding payment of USD 5.3 million to its service providers.
Presidential spokesperson Miuvan Mohammed emphasized that health services would remain uninterrupted, reaffirming that the necessary medical equipment would be readily available, even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. He further urged against spreading unwarranted fears and anxieties among the public.
During a press conference organized by the President-elect’s office, spokesperson Mohamed Firzul Abdullah Haleel elaborated on the serious concerns raised by the transitional committee, following meetings with senior officials of IGMH. Notably, several specialized centers within the hospital operate through collaborations with foreign hospitals and companies. Concerns have arisen regarding the potential halt of services at the Kidney Center and the Heart Center due to an outstanding bill of USD 5.3 million owed to the foreign company responsible for these services. This unpaid bill encompasses expenses related to various medical equipment supplied by the company, raising concerns about the continuity of medical supply provision.
