Health.

To further strengthen and expand healthcare services across the islands of the Maldives, work has commenced to newly establish laboratory services. The primary objective of this project is to reduce the travel island residents must make to other islands and to the capital Malé to conduct blood tests and other basic diagnostic tests, thereby facilitating access to convenient and prompt services on their own islands. Accordingly, special efforts are underway to procure modern equipment and machinery required for the laboratories and to ensure the standard of services provided by them. Once these services are newly launched in the islands, the standard of atoll healthcare centers will be elevated further, providing great relief in diagnosing illnesses and administering prompt treatment.

Work to introduce ultrasound scanning services in health centers across various islands of the Maldives commenced on 7 October 2026. The main objective of introducing this service is to arrange mechanisms for atoll residents to easily undergo basic medical tests and scans in their own home islands. With this change, the need to travel to the capital Malé and regional hospitals for routine scans will be significantly relieved, reducing both the time and cost spent on seeking medical treatment. Furthermore, this measure is expected to strengthen disease diagnosis systems in the islands and elevate the standard of primary healthcare provided to the public.

On 7 October 2026, dialysis services were officially inaugurated in 11 islands of the Maldives. With the commencement of this service in these islands, kidney disease patients have gained the opportunity to easily receive dialysis in their own islands and nearby areas. Established in these 11 islands to decentralize and expand healthcare services, these facilities will bring great relief from the hardships citizens previously endured due to having to travel to the capital Malé or distant regions for treatment.

Relevant authorities have arranged vaccination facilities for pilgrims departing for Hajj and Umrah and have disclosed information regarding the matter. The primary objective of these arrangements is to provide all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims with the health safety measures required prior to travel as conveniently as possible. In this regard, centers and timings for the vaccination services have been scheduled, and travelers have been urged to complete their vaccinations before departing. Health authorities emphasize completing the vaccination card in accordance with the established guidelines to protect against diseases and proceeding with travel arrangements.

On October 7, 2026, the Minister of Health made an official visit to the N. Atoll Hospital located in N. Manadhoo. During this visit, the Minister toured various departments of the hospital and closely observed the quality and state of health services provided to the public. Additionally, he met with the hospital's management and staff, discussing the difficulties faced in delivering services as well as important matters needed for the hospital's development. This visit by the Health Minister is an important step taken as part of the government's ongoing efforts to further strengthen the healthcare system in the atolls and improve the services provided to the public.

Relevant authorities directed on October 7, 2026, to immediately recall Everest brand coriander packets from the market after it was noted that they contain a toxic substance hazardous to health. Following this directive, businesses have been urged to cease selling this type of coriander and to take steps to withdraw stocks from the market and safely destroy them. Additionally, for the safety and protection of the public, authorities have instructed people to immediately stop using this product of the Everest brand. This action is an urgent measure taken to ensure food safety and prevent harm that may pose a risk to public health.

Special annual day activities marking the 25th anniversary of the N. Velidhoo Health Centre were colorfully celebrated on the island on 7 October 2026. Recognizing the healthcare services provided over the past quarter of a century to the people of Velidhoo and neighboring islands, staff members of the health centre and a large number of island residents took part in the event. In addition to recognizing the individuals who have served for a long period towards the development of the health centre and service delivery, the ceremony also highlighted future goals set to further develop and expand healthcare services.