Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) has handed over ambulances to 27 islands as part of efforts to establish sustainable ambulance services across the Maldives.

MPL said it has been contracted to transport ambulances to 56 islands, with deliveries completed to hospitals in 27 islands so far. Work is ongoing to deliver the remaining ambulances in the coming period.

The initiative follows concerns raised by island communities over limited access to emergency transport services during visits by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. These concerns led to the development of a policy framework aimed at ensuring long-term and reliable emergency care nationwide.

The project was awarded to MPL by the Ministry of Health on 18 January under the contractor finance policy. Under the first phase, 56 ambulances were imported to Malé City before being distributed to islands across the country.

The total cost of the project is MVR 65.3 million. In addition to the ambulances already delivered, the government has announced plans to procure ambulances for a further 31 islands this year. Ten additional paramedic ambulances are also set to be introduced in the Greater Malé Region and other cities.