By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

An air ambulance service between the Maldives and the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) will commence on March 1 this year as part of phase I of the programme, Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.  

The announcement was made following a special meeting between Maldives Transport and Aviation Services Minister Capt. Mohamed Ameen and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva at the Ministry Office today with the aim of initiating an air ambulance service between the two countries.  

The service would enable Maldivian citizens to promptly 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.  

The Minister has granted all necessary approvals to the airport officials and the Civil Aviation Authority for this and instructed the Ministry Secretary, K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, to establish a dedicated unit at the airport and ensure it is equipped with all essential facilities.