Health Minister Dr. Abdulla Khalil has said that the priority is to increase the service hours in the presence of a person, rather than increasing the opening hours of health centres in the islands.

He made the comment in response to a question by MP Anara Naeem during the Parliament session today.

MP Anara said that since Hura, Himmafushi and Ghulhi are home to many resorts and diving points, many tourists and people come at different hours to avail health services. As such, she questioned when health centres would be made operational 24/7.

Minister Dr. Khalil in response said that the Ministry is working on formulating a process whereby medical officers will be on standby to attend any medical emergencies even if the health centre is not open.

"We are looking at increasing the service hours beyond the operation hours. As such, nurses and medical officers will need to be more vigilant and on standby in case there is any medical emergency at any time," he said.

He further said that efforts are underway to expand some of the services in atolls. Laboratory and emergency care services will be set up at these atolls based on the population and percentage of patients arriving in the island.