Maldives and Sri Lanka have jointly announced the initiation of air ambulance services, enhancing emergency medical transfer capabilities from Maldives to Sri Lanka.

The decision was formalized during a high-level meeting between Mohamed Ameen, Minister of Transport and Aviation Services for Maldives, and Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation for Sri Lanka.

The discussions primarily focused on streamlining the transfer of accident and emergency cases from Maldives to Sri Lanka via air transport.

Minister Ameen highlighted that historically, emergency cases had been redirected to India, but with a view to leveraging the advanced emergency treatment facilities in Sri Lanka, the government has opted to redirect future emergency cases to Sri Lankan hospitals.

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva detailed plans for the establishment of a dedicated unit at Katunayake Airport in Sri Lanka, highlighting the assurance that all essential facilities have been arranged for the unit.

Notably, permissions from relevant authorities, including the airport and civil airlines authority, have been secured for the successful establishment of this specialized unit.

As part of the comprehensive initiative, the governments have announced the acquisition of eight air ambulances, slated to arrive in the Maldives starting March 1.

This move is anticipated to significantly enhance the efficiency and speed of medical evacuation operations, ensuring prompt and effective emergency medical care for individuals in need.