The government is preparing to award an MVR 5.7 billion project to a Chinese company to develop four hospitals, including 30-bed hospitals in Faafu Nilandhoo and Laamu Fonadhoo, to coincide with Sunday's parliamentary elections, Adhadhu has learned.

The decision to build a hospital in Nilandhoo comes with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's sister Fathmath Saudha contesting in the constituency on a People's National Congress (PNC) ticket.

Abdul Raheem Abdulla, President Muizzu's most senior minister, is the candidate for the Fonadhoo constituency. President Muizzu said recently that he is the most proud politically of Abdul Raheem.

In addition to the new hospital projects in Nilandhoo and Fonadhoo, the government has also decided to develop a special hospital in Hulhumale' and to upgrade the Addu Equatorial Hospital (AEH), some government officials who spoke to Adhadhu said.

The projects are to be awarded to China's CMC, which proposed a price of USD 370 million (MVR 5.7 billion), an official said. The projects are to be awarded on a contractor financing basis.

Cost of the project

• Nilandhoo hospital: USD 70 million (MVR 1 billion)
• Fonadhoo hospital: USD 70 million (MVR 1 billion)
• Mother and Child Hospital in Hulhumale': USD 150 million (MVR 2.3 billion)
• AEH expansion project: USD 80 million (MVR 1.2 billion)

"The projects will be signed before the election. The companies will try to secure financing after that," the official said.

The hospital project in Fonadhoo comes after the government decided to develop the hospital on the interconnected island of Laamu Gan.

Special hospital in Hulhumale'

The government decided to build a "Mother and Child" hospital in Hulhumale' with 100 beds and 30 private rooms. The hospital is to be built in the same area as the Tree Top Hospital.

The official who spoke to Adhadhu said all the projects will be signed during this week. It had previously been planned to be signed today.

Several projects including an airport and hospital have "poured" into Nilandhoo as President Muizzu's sister is contesting in the constituency.