President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has unveiled plans to restructure the way island health centres receive essential supplies and services, promising that the change will be in place nationwide before the end of the year.
Speaking to residents of Alifu Dhaalu Maamigili during his ongoing tour of the atoll, President Muizzu said the current arrangement — where health centres must route requests for medicines, equipment, and staffing support through regional or atoll hospitals — has often delayed responses and disrupted services.
Under the new system, health centres will be able to directly access services from key institutions, including the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Ministry of Health, the State Trading Organization (STO), and other relevant agencies. He added that this overhaul will be supported by upgraded software systems, improved human-resource management, and additional staffing, enabling each centre to function as a more independent facility.
“Our goal is to streamline medicine distribution, staff deployment, and other critical functions so that island health centres no longer face unnecessary bottlenecks,” the President said. “The new process will be fully operational by the start of next year.”
Focus on Inclusive Development
Muizzu reiterated that all islands — regardless of size — are equally important to his administration. For larger islands such as Maamigili, he emphasised a focus on medium- to long-term sustainable development.
He highlighted the Government’s 20-year National Development Plan, currently in its consultation phase, describing it as a key pledge aimed at aligning national priorities with the aspirations of local communities.
Key Infrastructure Updates for Maamigili
The President reported that road-development works, a long-standing priority for Maamigili, had faced delays due to previous challenges but are now back on track. Surveying and tarring have resumed, and both the contractor and Government have assured that the project will be completed by year-end.
Other planned improvements include:
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National ID card and passport services to be introduced in Maamigili this October, part of a wider effort to reduce travel burdens on island residents.
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Expansion of ATM services, aimed at improving access to basic banking facilities for locals.
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Waste-management operations in Maamigili to be transferred to WAMCO before year-end, with the establishment of a Public Works Unit to manage maintenance and waste services across the atoll — a move expected to create jobs and lower operating costs.
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Construction of a sports complex early next year.
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Completion of the ongoing school project before the next academic year to address existing capacity challenges.
Connectivity and Community Initiatives
The President announced that under the RTL ferry network expansion, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll will be connected by next year, with only a brief delay of a few months expected.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to the Government’s “one picnic island per atoll” initiative, confirming that the Cabinet is currently preparing a policy paper to guide its implementation in response to public demand.
