Ooredoo Maldives has gifted special equipment required to provide air ambulance services effectively. This follows a previous donation of similar equipment when the service was first launched in March. The ceremony held to mark the handover of the equipment was attended by the Minister of Health Abdullah Nazim Ibrahim, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ooredoo Khalid Al-Hamadi and some senior officials of the government. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Nazim remarked that Ooredoo’s donation symbolises encouragement and support for ongoing efforts to enhance the health sector. The minister expressed confidence that the new equipment would facilitate effective medical treatment for patients. Highlighting the challenges faced to provide adequate medical treatment, he emphasised the critical importance of facilitating the necessary resources and equipment to provide healthcare services. Furthermore, Minister Nazim minister also urged the exploration of new strategies to ensure equitable medical treatment across all regions of the Maldives. He noted that the introduction of air ambulance services marks a significant advancement in healthcare, with several patients already transported via this service. Meanwhile, CEO of Ooredoo Khalid Al-Hamadi revealed the company’s priority of supporting the initiatives undertaken by the government, to improve the provision of medical treatment to the public. He noted that the equipment donated will play a significant role in enhancing the air ambulance services provided. Ooredoo has spent a total of USD 1 million to facilitate the equipment required to provide air ambulance services effectively. During the ceremony, Minister Nazim presented Ooredoo with a 3D model of the air ambulance as a token of appreciation.
DBM will facilitate financing for development projects: Minister Saeed
Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, has announced that the Development Bank of Maldives (DBM) will serve as a key partner in facilitating financing for development projects in the Maldives through international financial institutions and investors. He shared these insights in a recent social media post. In his statement, Minister Saeed highlighted the challenges posed by the Maldives achieving middle-income status, which has resulted in a decrease in grants and concessions. He pointed out that while the country’s debt continues to rise, its foreign exchange reserves as a percentage of GDP remain the same due to a reliance on imports. The Minster underscored the necessity for a bank with a long-term vision to strengthen the Maldives’ financial system and facilitate essential development funding in collaboration with other financial entities. He outlined several key objectives for the Development Bank: reducing wealth disparities, improving housing, alleviating the state’s debt burden, and revitalizing underdeveloped areas. The bank will provide not only loans but also equity financing, fund syndication, and risk insurance. Focusing on five priority areas—energy and food security, housing, environmental protection, tourism, and marine economic activities—the Development Bank is poised to play a vital role in securing financing for various industries. Minister Saeed also addressed the issue of US dollar shortages, attributing them to systemic financial challenges rather than economic ones. He expressed confidence that the Development Bank will enhance foreign direct investment and increase the availability of dollars in the Maldives.
Gov’t notes RuPay card will boost Indian tourist arrivals
Gov’t notes RuPay card will boost Indian tourist arrivals The introduction of the RuPay card service in the Maldives aims to enhance the Indian tourist market, according to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. Officially launched on October 7 during an official visit to India, the RuPay card is India’s first global payment network, used by over 300 million people worldwide. The RuPay card is accepted in six countries, including Singapore, UAE, Bhutan, Nepal, and Mauritius. In the Maldives, it was launched through the Bank of Maldives, allowing transactions at the bank’s ATMs and POS machines. Minister Mohammed Saeed emphasized that the RuPay card is a significant advancement in modernizing e-wallet services in the Maldives. He noted that it enables Indian tourists to conveniently pay for goods and services, potentially boosting the Indian tourism market. As of this year, the Maldives has welcomed 1.5 million tourists, with India contributing 95,072 visitors, accounting for 6.1% of arrivals. Recent high-level talks between the countries have focused on strengthening trade ties, with business forums held in three Indian states to promote tourism and investment opportunities in the Maldives.
Committee approves Maldives’ IAEA participation
The Foreign Relations Committee of the Parliament has approved Maldives’ participation in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The approval to join the IAEA was unanimously approved by the members present at the Foreign Relations Committee meeting. The President approved the Maldives’ participation in the IAEA, with a focus on seeking assistance in nuclear medicine, which is crucial for cancer treatment. The Ministry of Defence will spearhead the process of joining the IAEA, which the government notes will be a long-term endeavour. Joining the IAEA is expected to enhance the Maldives’ capabilities in nuclear medicine and renewable energy. Established on July 29, the IAEA aims to prevent the use of nuclear energy for military purposes while promoting its benefits. It currently has 178 member countries; the Maldives and Bhutan are the only regional nations not yet members. According to the Constitution of Maldives, international treaties must be submitted to and approved by Parliament before they can be implemented.
WHO welcomes President’s decision to ban vaping
The World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to ban the importation of various types of vapes and announcing a ban on vaping. In social media post made by WHO’s Southeast Asia office, WHO congratulated the Maldives for implementing this ban, highlighting it as a significant initiative to combat the alarming rise in vaping, particularly among young adolescents. It also noted that 23.1% of boys and 10.7% of girls aged 13 to 15 in the Maldives have used e-cigarettes, according to the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey. WHO further raised concerns that the increasing prevalence of novel and emerging nicotine and tobacco products (NENTPs), such as electronic cigarettes (ENDS), electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS), heated tobacco products (HTPs), and nicotine pouches (NPs), is particularly concerning, especially among youth in the WHO South-East Asia Region. It noted that all forms of tobacco use are harmful and pose significant risks for non-communicable diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung diseases, and diabetes. In a recent social media post, President Muizzu confirmed that the import of vaping devices and their components will be prohibited starting November 15. He instructed relevant authorities to implement comprehensive measures to outlaw the use, possession, manufacture, sale, advertising, and free distribution of vaping products across the country beginning December 15. To further reduce tobacco consumption, the President announced an increase in import duties on cigarettes and tobacco products. As such an amendment to the law will be proposed to adjust both specific and ad valorem rates of import duty on these items, effective November 2024. Additionally, the President has called for strengthened measures to empower enforcement agencies to curb tobacco use in public spaces. A comprehensive, nationally recognized campaign will also be launched to assist habitual smokers in quitting. The President urges the public to collaborate in making the Maldives a tobacco-free society.
PNC urges swift implementation of ban on Israeli passports
The ruling party, People’s National Congress (PNC) has called for the swift implementation of the ban on Israeli passport. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu decided to ban the Israeli passports to the Maldives on June 2. In a statement released, PNC expressed its support for expediting amendments to the Immigration Act to include the ban on Israeli passports. The party urged Parliament to review these amendments swiftly, emphasising that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s decision reflects the Maldives’ strong stance on the situation in Palestine. Furthermore, PNC reiterated its full backing of the president’s significant action, condemning the atrocities committed by the Israeli army against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the ongoing military aggression in Lebanon. The people of the Maldives has been advocating for a ban of Israeli passports, following the ongoing genocide by Israel against Palestinians. In response, the government has submitted a bill to amend the Immigration Act to the Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee for further consideration.