Maldives launches air ambulance service
The Health Ministry thanked the national airline Maldivian for its efforts and Ooredoo for providing medical devices.
By
Ahmed Mizyal
Air ambulance services between Sri Lanka and Maldives was launched early Friday.
Previously, Maldivian airline’s charter flights and Indian aircraft were used to transport patients from different islands of Maldives.
The launch of the air ambulance service was a presidential pledge.
The Ministry of Health said this is an important step in President Mohammed Muizzu's efforts to improve the quality of health services.
The Health Ministry thanked the national airline Maldivian for its efforts and Ooredoo for providing medical devices.
A framework for immediate authorization of emergency medical evacuation flights was signed between Sri Lanka and Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen during his visit to Colombo last month.
Ameen had then said:
-
In a meeting with Ameen, discussions were held regarding air ambulance service to transport people in need of urgent treatment due to accidents and diseases to Sri Lanka for treatment
-
The Maldives is currently sending such patients to India for urgent treatment, but the government plans to send such patients to Sri Lanka in the future, he said, adding that this is due to the improvement in the quality of health services in Sri Lanka
-
The Maldives agreed to start air ambulance service to Sri Lanka's Katunayake Airport on March 1
-
A special unit has been set up at the airport for the purpose and all necessary permissions have been given to provide the service.
