The Maldives and China have signed an implementation agreement for the construction of the China-Aided China–Maldives Friendship Hospital, a major tertiary healthcare facility to be built in Vilimale’.

The agreement was signed on Monday at an official ceremony held at the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure.

It was formalised by Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib on behalf of the Maldivian government, and Mr. Zhang Xu, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in the Maldives.

Under the project, the China–Maldives Friendship Hospital will be developed as a tertiary-level healthcare facility with a capacity of 112 beds and a total built-up area of approximately 12,890 square metres.

The hospital will provide a wide range of services, including outpatient and emergency care, diagnostic and treatment facilities, inpatient wards, and administrative offices.

It will also be fully equipped with modern medical equipment and furniture to support the delivery of advanced healthcare services.

The government said the project marks an important step in strengthening the country’s healthcare capacity, in line with its broader efforts to improve access to quality healthcare services for the public.

The next phase of the project will involve launching the construction tender to select a contractor.

Once the procurement process is completed, construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of this year.

The tertiary hospital in Vilimale’ is a key presidential commitment of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The China–Maldives Friendship Hospital project also reflects the deepening bilateral relations between the Maldives and China.

Both governments reaffirmed their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in the health sector and supporting the Maldives’ goals of improving public health outcomes and promoting sustainable development.