Maldives to join IAEA for major diseases treatment
Zameer referred to the cancer hospital services on President Mohamed Muizzu's agenda.
The cabinet meeting on Sunday discussed and decided on the way forward for participation in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Foreign minister Moosa Zameer briefed the media on Sunday’s cabinet meeting.
Explaining why it is important to participate in the association, Zameer referred to the cancer hospital services on President Mohamed Muizzu's agenda.
"For that, the assistance of the atomic agency is very much needed in modern medicine. The procurement of some of the necessary resources and its waste management is part of the IAEA's mandate," Zameer said.
"The cabinet today decided that the defense ministry will act as the lead agency after signing the agreement and accepting our membership.”
Zameer said there is a possibility that the world will move towards atomic energy given the changes taking place in the world.
“Therefore, the cabinet has submitted a paper to the cabinet today because it believes that Maldives should also participate in this and reap the benefits,” Zameer said.
Zameer said these facilities are not only needed for the cancer hospital but also for the treatment provided by the existing hospitals in Male.
"That's one of the reasons. The real energy in the world is moving away from hydrocarbons. Now we see some studies showing signs that the world will move to nuclear energy in some directions," Zameer said.
"So they don't participate in this association because they don't have access to some things," he said.
Among the regional countries, only Maldives and Bhutan have not joined the association, he said.
Although the cabinet gave the green signal for the work, Zameer said it would take long stages to do so. The next step will be to submit the bill to parliament and further work will be carried out only after it is approved by parliament, he added.
"By the time the president's hospital is completed, hopefully we will be able to join this association and get the benefits we deserve. But there is a long process and we are starting now,” Zameer explained.
The IAEA was established by the United Nations on 29 July 1957. The agency aims to promote the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and to prevent or control military use and the development of nuclear weapons.
