Malé, Maldives – The Maldivian government is set to open the tender for the construction of the National Health Laboratory in July, Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim announced today.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, Minister Nazim provided an update on the progress of the crucial public health infrastructure project.

Project Development

The Ministry of Health had previously signed an agreement in November last year with ‘Giatec’, a German company, for the provision of design, feasibility studies, and consultancy services. This company was selected through an international competitive bidding process.

The contract for Giatec’s services was valued at USD 1.2 million. Minister Nazim confirmed that a significant portion of this preliminary work has now been completed.

Current Facilities and Future Vision

The Minister highlighted that the existing National Laboratory currently operates from within the Ministry of Health building, a facility he described as inadequate in terms of space and other essential provisions required for such a sophisticated operation.

Minister Nazim emphasised that the establishment of the National Health Laboratory represents the most significant advancement for the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) this year and next, underscoring its importance for national health and industry standards.

Expanded Capabilities

The new National Health Laboratory is planned as a nine-storey building, designed to offer expanded capabilities and services. Its primary functions will include comprehensive chemical and microbiological analyses critical for ensuring the safety and quality of food products and medicines.

The facility will also focus on ensuring that all conducted tests adhere to international standards. Furthermore, it is expected to provide essential analytical services to various national sectors, including the Maldivian fisheries and tourism industries.

Specific expanded services envisioned for the new laboratory include virology analyses for risk levels 2 and 3 viruses, bacteriology-related tests, and a significant broadening of its food and drug analysis capabilities.