The Health Protection Agency (HPA), which provides essential public services, is facing operational disruptions due to the prolonged absence of a permanent office space.
Sources have confirmed to Adhadhu that HPA staff vacated their previous premises at Orange Hiyaa in Hulhumale' around October last year. Eight months have passed without an office.
A source familiar with the matter told Adhadhu that the lack of a permanent office for the agency’s 100 employees has left the public confused about where to access critical services, including work permit medicals and vaccinations.
The source noted that while it has been announced that HPA services are currently available through the Ministry of Health, no specific floor or area within the Ministry has been designated for the agency. This lack of a centralized location is causing difficulties for the public.
"Given the prevalence of various seasonal outbreaks in the Maldives and emerging global health threats, the prolonged delay in securing a permanent office for the statutory body mandated to control diseases and ensure public health safety will inevitably hinder service delivery," the source said.
Furthermore, another source informed Adhadhu that amid the current measles outbreak in the country, there are growing complaints that the challenges faced by staff due to the lack of a permanent base are hampering the effective management and control of the disease.
HPA staff were forced to vacate Orange Hiyaa after a fungal infestation affected two employees. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, it is prohibited to require employees to work in environments that pose a risk to their health and safety.
Since leaving Orange Hiyaa, HPA staff have been scattered across various locations, including the Lulu Building and Maizaan Dhoshuge on Sosun Magu, as well as different departments and divisions within the Ministry of Health.
Despite being the primary agency responsible for managing communicable diseases and public health in the Maldives, the HPA website remained offline for several months before being restored last month. However, the site is not being updated and lacks essential information.
Information suggests that a new HPA office is being developed in the building in Hulhumale' Phase I originally intended by STO for a city hotel. However, it remains unclear why the relocation of staff to this facility continues to be delayed.
