Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has announced the introduction of advanced telemedicine services to make specialist care more accessible for patients in the islands.

Speaking to Parliament’s Social Affairs Committee on Wednesday, IGMH Medical Director Dr Aiminath Zeyba Ahmed said the move aims to reduce the burden on those travelling to Malé for medical consultations. “We have completed multiple test runs this week using a highly sophisticated system,” she said, noting features such as digital stethoscopes that allow doctors to listen to heart and lung sounds remotely.

Under the new plan, regional hospitals will be equipped with telemedicine systems, allowing patients to consult IGMH specialists without needing to travel. Weekly telemedicine outpatient (OPD) sessions across various specialties are expected to be scheduled.

Dr Zeyba added that the system will especially benefit patients who require follow-ups after tests, ensuring continuity of care without repeated trips to the capital.