Parliament passes Health Services Bill

Health Services Bill, which obligates the establishment of basic health services in every inhabited island, has been passed by the parliament.

The bill, submitted by Fares Maathoda MP Hussain Mohamed Latheef, was sent for review by the Social Affairs Committee one year ago, on 25 August 2014.

It was passed today with 47 votes in favour, and four against.

The bill states that basic health services must be established to a standard defined by Ministry of Health in all industrial islands and resorts, by the owners or managers of those islands.

It states that the hospital in Malé shall be considered the national referral, and shall be ranked highest in national health services system standards.

The bill obligates the establishment of a hospital in every city and atoll in the country.

It further states that health services licence shall be issued for a period of five years, and shall be renewed 180 days prior to expiry.

MP Hussain Mohamed Latheef said that the purpose of the bill is:

- to achieve a national health services system

- Define policies and procedures for health service providers

- Ensure that private health service providers adhere to safety and quality standards.