First Hyperbaric Medical Centre Outside Malé Opened

The first hyperbaric medical centre in an inhabited island outside Malé has been officially opened.

The Senahiya Hyperbaric Centre, a branch of the Senahiya Military Hospital, was established in Th. Guraidhoo.

The centre was opened by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his ongoing tour of inhabited islands across four atolls, specifically during his visit to Th. Guraidhoo.

The MNDF stated that the hyperbaric chamber installed at the Senahiya Hyperbaric Centre in Th. Guraidhoo was received by the MNDF under the generous assistance of the Japanese government. The Senahiya Hyperbaric Centre is a specialised facility for treating health issues related to diving, and this centre will be useful for treating tragic incidents faced by Maldivian fishermen, divers, and tourists while diving.

Establishing arrangements in various regions to provide treatment for incidents faced by individuals engaged in bait fishing using scuba gear is a government target. Speaking to the residents of Th. Guraidhoo during his visit, the President stated that, as promised during the presidential campaign, the work to establish decompression chambers in various regions is proceeding at a very fast pace. In this regard, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that decompression chambers will be installed in Malé City, Addu City, Fuvahmulah City, Thinadhoo City, AA. Rasdhoo, and GA. Vilingili within the next 4 months.

The lack of arrangements to receive decompression treatment across various parts of the Maldives has been a long-standing concern for fishermen and divers. Establishing permanently operational decompression chambers in 6 regions of the Maldives will bring great relief to fishermen and divers. Currently, if decompression sickness occurs, treatment must be sought at ADK Hospital or a resort where the service is established. This is a very expensive treatment.