Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, the primary medical facility serving a population of 70,000 residents in the northernmost region of the Maldives, has recently initiated the provision of chemotherapy services.
With adequate training provided to the nursing staff, the hospital has commenced the registration process for patients requiring chemotherapy treatment. On July 3, the hospital successfully administered chemotherapy to its first patient, who hailed from another island within the Haa Dhaalu Atoll. The nursing staff, responsible for delivering the treatment, will continue to receive additional training to enhance their expertise in offering chemotherapy services.
The scarcity of chemotherapy services in the Maldives poses a significant challenge for the growing number of individuals battling cancer. Presently, only a handful of hospitals in the atolls, namely Addu Equatorial Hospital and Lhaviyani Atoll Hospital, provide such services. Consequently, many patients are compelled to travel to Male’, the capital city, every three weeks to access treatment.
However, the introduction of chemotherapy services at Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital is expected to alleviate the burden on patients, providing them with timely and convenient treatment options. This is particularly beneficial for residents of the northernmost region, as the islands are well-connected through the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry service. The hospital has strategically scheduled chemotherapy sessions to coincide with the RTL ferry hours, offering a more affordable alternative compared to patients having to individually arrange for transportation. Notably, all chemotherapy and related treatments will be provided free of charge to the patients at Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, further easing the financial strain on those seeking treatment.
