In a significant development, Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva announced that an air ambulance service between the Maldives and Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is scheduled to commence on March 1st this year, marking the initiation of Phase I of the program.
The declaration followed a special meeting between Maldives Transport and Aviation Services Minister Capt. Mohamed Ameen and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva at the Ministry office today, where discussions aimed at establishing an air ambulance service between the two countries took place.
This newly introduced service is designed to facilitate Maldivian citizens’ prompt arrival 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, in light of the quality of emergency treatment available in Sri Lanka, the Maldivian government has opted to direct such patients to Sri Lankan hospitals in the future.
The Maldivian Transport and Aviation Services Minister stated, “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.”
Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva has granted all necessary approvals to airport officials and the Civil Aviation Authority for the implementation of this service. Additionally, he instructed the Ministry Secretary, K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, to establish a dedicated unit at the airport equipped with all essential facilities to ensure the seamless operation of the air ambulance service.
