All services at Vilimalé Hospital will be moved to a temporary facility by mid-September to make way for the construction of a new tertiary hospital on the island.

Malé City Group of Hospitals CEO Ibrahim Abdur Razzaq Haleem told PSM that hospital services will continue from the former Amaan Hiyaa building. Lift installation and other finishing works are currently underway at the building.

The relocation will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption to the public. Emergency services, outpatient consultations and vaccination services will be among the first to move.

The new tertiary hospital is being developed with grant assistance from the Chinese government. An agreement for the project’s design was signed between the Maldives and China in June last year.

Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib previously said construction was expected to begin by the middle of this year and be completed within two years.

Once completed, the new hospital is expected to provide Vilimalé residents with modern healthcare facilities and services.