The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure has signed an agreement with the Government of China to commence the design phase of the China-Maldives Friendship Hospital in Vilimale’.
The agreement was formalised on Wednesday through a Letter of Exchange signed by Construction Minister Abdulla Muthalib and the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua.
The 112-bed hospital is being developed with full grant assistance from China. According to the Ministry, a feasibility study has already been completed, and the agreement marks the official launch of the project’s detailed design stage.
The development was first announced in January last year, when President Dr Mohamed Muizzu revealed during a state visit to China that the Chinese government had committed to fully funding the construction of a tertiary hospital in Vilimale’.
In March this year, the government announced that land had been allocated for the hospital in Vilimale’, with construction scheduled to begin once technical preparations are completed. This was followed by the signing of a Letter of Exchange in May to facilitate the feasibility study.
President Muizzu has identified improving access to healthcare as a key priority for his administration, and has said the new hospital will reduce the need for Vilimale’ residents to travel to Male’ City for medical treatment.
