Just five years into the contract, Dharumavantha Hospital has announced plans to reclaim the space currently being utilized by the medical school to accommodate its expanding patient services.
The Edition
In 2018, the Maldives National University (MNU) took a significant stride in medical education by establishing the School of Medicine, marking a pivotal moment for aspiring medical professionals in the region. This endeavour was bolstered by a strategic partnership with Dharumavantha Hospital, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience and exposure to real-world medical practices.
However, as the academic landscape evolved, so did the need for enhanced facilities to accommodate the growing demands of medical education. Towards the end of 2019, the government recognised this necessity, and allocated MVR 35 million in the 2020 budget to develop a dedicated Medical College in the reclaimed suburb of Hulhumale’. This initiative aimed not only to address the lack of adequate infrastructure for a comprehensive medical school in the Maldives but also to preemptively prepare for the end of the 10-year agreement between Dharumavantha Hospital and MNU.
Despite these forward-thinking measures, a recent development has stirred concerns among medical students. Just five years into the contract, Dharumavantha Hospital has announced plans to reclaim the space currently being utilized by the medical school to accommodate its expanding patient services. While this signals commendable growth for the hospital, students are apprehensive about the potential disruption to their education. The decision has prompted a wave of apprehension among students, who fear being left in limbo midway through their medical journey.
Responding to these concerns, government officials and representatives from Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) have reassured students that their educational pursuits will not be compromised. They have affirmed their dedication to finding a viable solution that prioritizes the continuity of medical education.
Following this, the student union of MNU has stated that they hope Dharumavantha Hospital will continue to provide the facilities for around 200 students who are pursuing their dreams in the hospital to continue their education at the facilities until a more permanent solution is reached by the Government of the Maldives.
