The government is aiming to begin basic diagnostic and treatment services at the new 500-bed multispecialty cancer hospital in Hulhumalé by 2028, according to Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali.

The minister disclosed the timeline while responding to a question from Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim during a Parliament sitting on June 23.

She said the long-planned hospital project is currently at various stages of construction.

The facility, which will be built on land allocated in Hulhumalé Phase II, is designed to serve as a multispecialty hospital with a dedicated 25-bed cancer treatment unit.

In addition to cancer care, the hospital is expected to provide maternal and child health services.

According to the minister, the government’s immediate target is to make essential diagnostic tests and basic treatment available by 2028, while more advanced services such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, PET scans and other specialized cancer treatments are planned for a later stage.

The update comes as the Maldives continues to see a growing cancer burden.

Government figures show that 120 new cancer patients were registered in 2025, including 67 women and 53 men.

The financial impact of overseas treatment also remains significant.

So far, 5,755 patients have traveled abroad for treatment under the national health insurance scheme Aasandha, costing the state USD 24.3 million.

As the government works toward establishing long-term domestic cancer care capacity, interim measures are also being expanded.

Nine beds have been reserved for cancer care at Hulhumalé Hospital and Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital.

The Health Ministry is also planning to extend cancer services to Addu City and Haa Dhaalu, Lhaviyani, Raa and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls.

In addition, mammography screening for breast cancer is now available at five regional hospitals, as well as Fuvahmulah City Hospital and Baa Atoll Hospital.

For patients requiring treatment overseas, Aasandha currently has arrangements with 15 hospitals in India and two in Sri Lanka to provide specialized cancer care.

The minister also announced plans to launch a comprehensive study during the current presidential term to examine the underlying causes of cancer in the Maldives.

The study is expected to strengthen the existing cancer registry by adding more detailed epidemiological data to support future prevention and treatment strategies.