An agreement has been signed between the Health Ministry, Island Aviation and National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) to begin air ambulance flights to Thailand and Dubai.

Managing Director Ibrahim Iyaz signed the agreement on behalf of Island Aviation at a ceremony held at the Health Ministry on Sunday. Deputy Minister Ahmed Hamdhan Nasir signed on behalf of the ministry while CEO Heena Waleed signed on behalf of NSPA.

At the ceremony, Health Minister Abdulla Nazim said the agreement will facilitate the provision of air ambulance services abroad without any legal obstacles.

Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen said that under the agreement, national airline Maldivian will be ready to provide services with the latest facilities.

The Maldives Emergency Medical Service has been established under the Health Ministry to provide emergency medical services using air ambulances.

Since the service was launched, 1,840 patients have been brought to Male' from the atolls for emergency treatment.