News Desk
MALE’, Maldives — The government launched its first nationwide emergency response system on Thursday, adopting the internationally recognized 911 number, in a move officials say will streamline emergency services across the island nation.
The service, headquartered at the police headquarters in Male’, will coordinate responses from ambulance, coast guard, and fire and rescue services through a single point of contact. The initiative, which began development in October, emerged from a Ministry of Health proposal to the Social Council.
“We chose 911 because it’s universally recognized, even by children, through various media,” said Home Minister Ali Ihsan at the launch ceremony. “It’s a number people encounter in movies and cartoons, making it instantly memorable for our citizens.”
The emergency response system represents one of the first major infrastructure projects under President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu’s administration. Officials plan to enhance the service with advanced communication systems and GIS mapping capabilities, allowing for faster response times across the archipelago’s scattered islands.
The system will incorporate dispatch software to connect emergency centers throughout the country, though officials acknowledged that the service will require ongoing development. Plans include specialized training for call center staff and technical upgrades to improve response efficiency.
During the launch ceremony, attended by Police Commissioner Ali Shujau, Minister Ihsan emphasized the importance of proper use of the emergency line, cautioning against frivolous calls that could burden the system.
The Maldives joins numerous countries, including the United States, that use 911 as their primary emergency contact number, marking a significant step in standardizing emergency response protocols in the Indian Ocean nation of roughly 1,200 islands.
