Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim says the government is carrying out health sector development projects on a scale never seen before, with major upgrades and new facilities underway across the country.

Speaking at a press briefing at the President’s Office, the minister said the administration is working to reduce reliance on the capital for medical services by strengthening facilities in regional communities.

He noted that many initiatives now focus on expanding services closer to where people live.

Nazim emphasized the importance of building a comprehensive health system where departments and projects function cohesively.

He said the various development programs are interconnected and designed to improve service delivery nationwide.

According to the minister, the momentum accelerated after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu took office, following visits to islands where deteriorating infrastructure was observed.

He said those findings prompted a nationwide program to upgrade existing facilities and construct new ones.

Detailing current progress, there are 39 hospital development projects are underway, along with the construction of 19 new health centres.

Upgrades and extensions are ongoing at 89 existing health centres.

So far, 12 projects have been completed, while 22 more are at the planning stage including eight new hospitals, five health centres, and nine upgrade projects.