Maldives’ healthcare system strengthens with Operational Hybrid Theatre at Dharumavantha Hospital
One of the most significant issues was with the operation theatre. The CEO of IGMH, Ibrahim Haleem, explained that the theatre remained unused for an extended period due to technical problems with the motherboard's circuits.
The Maldivian healthcare system is yet again seeing developments as Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) announces that the hospital's Hybrid Operating Theatre located in Dharumavantha Hospital is not operational. IGMH and Dharumavantha hospitals are both tertiary level public hospitals where Maldivian citizens can get access to the national insurance scheme Aasandha, making access to healthcare extremely affordable. Although there is still a long way to go before all the issues within the Maldivian healthcare system are addressed, access to a Hybrid Operating Theatre equipped with a catheterisation laboratory is a major step for the country.
The development of Dharumavantha Hospital was completed six years ago, but despite this, several complications prevented the hospital from fully utilizing its facilities. One of the most significant issues was with the operation theatre. The CEO of IGMH, Ibrahim Haleem, explained that the theatre remained unused for an extended period due to technical problems with the motherboard's circuits. These issues hindered its functionality, leaving a key facility out of service. However, the situation has recently been resolved after the necessary spare parts were imported, allowing the hospital to repair the malfunctioning circuits. As a result, IGMH has now successfully restored the operation theatre to full functionality, bringing an end to a prolonged period of disuse and enabling the hospital to better serve patients moving forward.
The introduction of a state-of-the-art Hybrid Operating Theatre at Dharumavantha Hospital, marks a significant advancement in the Maldivian healthcare system. This facility will enable IGMH to perform highly specialized procedures, reducing the need for patients to seek expensive treatment abroad, alleviating the financial and emotional burdens associated with medical travel. The theatre's capability to handle complex cases further enhances the range of healthcare services available locally, ensuring that more Maldivians can receive timely and high-quality care close to home.
Although there are still challenges to be addressed in the broader healthcare system, this development represents significant progress in making advanced, affordable, and accessible healthcare a reality for the Maldivian people.