Health Minister Abdulla Khalil has revealed that more than 140 flights have been made since the introduction of Air Ambulance services.

The Government changed the National Airline Maldivian's policy on 20 January 2024 to prioritise flights for medical purposes in case of emergencies over scheduled flights. The Air Ambulance service commenced on 1 March 2024.

Speaking at a press conference held by the Health Ministry, Minister Khalil said that 192 patients have been transported since the launch of the air ambulance service.

"So far, we have made 148 trips. On some trips, more than one patient was carried. Four of these were sea plane flights and the rest were Air Ambulance flights. With the introduction of this service, the waiting time for patients have been reduced," Minister Khalil said.

He said that the State can save the cost if the number of flights were reduced to carry more people at once and that the funds can be allocated for the development of the health sector.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has also decided to bring a helicopter in addition to the existing flight and seaplane for the air ambulance service.