A special discussion took place between Maldives Transport and Aviation Services Minister Capt. Mohamed Ameen and Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.
The discussion took place at the Ministry office yesterday (30) with the aim of initiating an air ambulance service between the two countries.
The service would enable Maldivian citizens to arrive in Sri Lanka for urgent medical treatment in cases of accidents, illnesses and other health emergencies. Previously, Maldivian citizens were transported to India for emergency medical care.
“However, considering the quality of emergency treatment in Sri Lanka, the Maldivian government has decided to direct such patients to Sri Lankan hospitals in the future,” the Maldivian Transport and Aviation Services Minister said.
After extensive discussions between the Ministers, it was agreed to launch an air ambulance service between Maldives and the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport starting from
March 1 this year, as part of phase I of the programme. The Minister has granted all approvals to airport officials and the Civil Aviation Authority for this. Additionally, he instructed the Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Ministry Secretary K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, to establish a dedicated unit at the airport and ensure it is equipped with all essential facilities. It was decided during the discussions to initiate a similar service between Colombo International Airport Ratmalana and Male in the future. The Deputy High Commissioner of Maldives in Sri Lanka Fathimath Ghina, Ports,Shipping and Aviation Ministry Secretary K.D.S.Ruwanchandra, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) Chairman G.S.Withanage and its Director General – P.A.Jayakantha also attended the discussions.
The post Air Ambulance Service between Maldives and Sri Lanka from March 1 appeared first on DailyNews.