Thursday
29th Jan 2026
Dhivehi Edition
Photo: Health Ministry.
Dialysis services have been established in ten islands across the Maldives over the past two years as part of the Government’s initiative to expand access to life-saving kidney treatment in the atolls, Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has announced.
The Minister made the remarks while inaugurating dialysis services at the Atoll Hospital in Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo on Thursday. He highlighted the increasing number of patients requiring dialysis two to three times per week due to the growing prevalence of kidney disease nationwide.
Minister Nazim stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has placed high priority on making dialysis available as a basic healthcare service across the country. He emphasised the severe burden faced by patients and families who must travel frequently for treatment, noting that such hardship can only be fully understood by those directly affected. Expanding dialysis services to more islands will significantly reduce — and in many cases eliminate, the need for long-distance travel, he said.
The service expansion has involved substantial investments in infrastructure upgrades, procurement of dialysis machines, and specialised training for healthcare professionals. The Minister pointed out that many of the newly covered islands previously lacked trained personnel to provide dialysis, a gap that has now been addressed.
Since President Dr Muizzu assumed office, dialysis services have been introduced at ten health facilities:
- Amina Dhiyo Health Centre
- Gaafu Alifu Hospital
- Shaviyani Atoll Hospital
- Noonu Velidhoo Health Centre
- Muli Regional Hospital
- Thaa Atoll Hospital
- Alifu Alifu Hospital
- Alifu Dhaalu Atoll Hospital
- Baa Dharavandhoo Health Centre
- Dhaalu Atoll Hospital
In parallel efforts to broaden treatment options, the Government has also introduced peritoneal dialysis — also known as device-assisted self-dialysis, in the Maldives.
The expansion of dialysis services reflects the Administration’s commitment to decentralising specialised healthcare and ensuring timely, accessible treatment for patients nationwide.