Maldives' first air ambulance service launched with assistance from Ooredoo

Mar 2, 2024, 10:11 AM

Maldives' first air ambulance service for health emergencies was launched on Friday.

The service will be provided by the Maldives Emergency Medical Services in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Island Aviation. The service will be available 24 hours.

The air ambulance made its maiden trip on Friday night to transport a patient from Kulhudhuffushi.

According to the Health Ministry, the service will strengthen the pre-hospital care and sustainable emergency care system.

Launching an air ambulance service was a pledge made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. He assured that, if needed, patients can be transported to Thailand.

Health Minister Abdulla Khaleel said on Thursday that arrangements have been made so that patients can be transported to India and Sri Lanka directly and that patients can travel to Thailand after making a transit.

A seaplane and a Dash-8 aircraft will be used for the air ambulance service.

Both aircraft are equipped with facilities to provide emergency medical services. They will be equipped with oxygen, ventilators, defibrillators and emergency injections.

The aircraft can carry two passengers at a time while the seaplane can carry only one passenger. The ministry said stretchers will be added based on demand.

They will be staffed by 15 emergency medical personnel, including doctors and nurses. The air ambulance will transport patients to the nearest tertiary hospital.

Adhadhu understands that the facilities needed for the air ambulance service were provided by the telecommunications company Ooredoo.

A reliable source told Adhadhu that some of the medical equipment had been installed and that the service was launched without establishing all facilities.

Ooredoo will provide the medical facilities for the air ambulance, a media official for the national airline, Maldivian, told Adhadhu.

The medical equipment in the air ambulance is estimated to cost MVR 16 million. Under the agreement with Ooredoo, the Ooredoo logo must be displayed on the flight. But the logo has not yet been put up on the aircraft.

Air Transport Ooredoo Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Haleel Health Ministry

Comments

Government looking into buying oil from other countries besides Oman

Mar 30

Military commander-in-chief unaware of request to use Maldivian airspace for war!

Mar 24

Italian tourists stuck in Maldives leave on cruise ship

Mar 8

Japanese military aircraft on standby in Maldives for Middle East rescue mission

Mar 8

Latest News

Suspect arrested for repeated public nuisance escapes facility

Ahmed Fairish, a man arrested for public nuisance and harassment, has escaped from a drug treatment facility in Himmafushi. He was transferred there under police supervision following his recent arrest on October 17. Authorities are currently searching for the suspect, who has a history of criminal behavior and making death threats.

PNC secures both seats in election for LGA board

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) won both seats in the election for the Local Government Authority board. PNC candidates Ali Ahmed and Maryam Zeena defeated their MDP rivals to represent local councils and Women’s Development Committees. The election occurred alongside the unopposed appointment of Kulhudhuffushi Mayor Mohamed Athif.

"MDP will end Rasmale' deal if it goes without consultation"

MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail warned that a future MDP government will terminate the Rasmalé project if it proceeds without public consultation. He opposes granting land to UAE’s Eagle Hills indefinitely, citing concerns over national sovereignty and the lack of acquisition costs. Fayyaz urged President Muizzu to allow for public debate.

Milestone as Thilamale Bridge connects Villimale and Gulhifalhu

The Thilamale Bridge has reached a major milestone by physically connecting Villimale and Gulhifalhu, creating a continuous link from Male'. Developed by Afcons Infrastructure, the project is now slated for completion in September 2026. Construction progressed through multiple phases despite political disputes over the project's timeline.

Sukuk or bond issue listed in budget for 2027

The government plans to issue a $175 million international bond or sukuk in 2027 to manage foreign debt, part of a $675 million three-year borrowing strategy. Despite past failures to enter the market and a "junk" credit rating, officials hope this move will ease financial pressure following a major reserve drawdown for previous repayments.

Government to deploy an AI-powered smart traffic system in Male'

The Maldives government has included an AI-powered "Smart Traffic Enforcement System" in next year’s budget to tackle congestion in Malé. Part of the "Maldives 2.0" policy, the initiative aims to modernize traffic monitoring through digitalization. The plan also includes a new data center and digital ID system to improve public services.

"President does not have authority to allow non-Muslim residency"

Former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi argues that the President lacks the constitutional authority to grant long-term residency to non-Muslims in Rasmalé. He asserts that such sovereign power belongs solely to the people. Didi also criticized Jamiyyathul Salaf for supporting the government's plan under specific conditions.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox