News Desk
When a regional hospital in the Maldives performs a complex advanced medical procedure, it becomes news. This is the story of Ungoofaaru Hospital.
Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital has carried out a complex hysteroscopic myomectomy, marking a major step forward for specialist care in the atolls and underscoring the growing capacity of regional hospitals to deliver advanced procedures. The surgery was performed by gynaecologist Dr Talha, and the hospital described it as a breakthrough in expanding minimally invasive treatment options for women.
The procedure allows fibroids to be removed through a very small incision, leaving no visible scar and reducing recovery time. Hospital officials said the new service will support polyp, fibroid and septum removal, as well as infertility assessments, strengthening the range of care available to patients in the atoll.
Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital, a leading healthcare institution serving Noonu, Raa, Baa and Lhaviyani Atolls, has been steadily expanding its services in recent years. It is currently being upgraded to a tertiary‑level facility with a planned capacity of 102 beds, following an agreement signed between the Ministry of Health and MTCC for the design and build of the new hospital.
The hospital already provides a wide range of services, including radiology, psychiatry, internal medicine, ICU care, laboratory services, mammography, CT scanning, physiotherapy, dialysis and a fully equipped operation theatre.
Chemotherapy services have also commenced, marking another milestone in bringing advanced treatment closer to island communities.
The expansion of Ungoofaaru Hospital reflects a broader push by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to strengthen healthcare across the islands. His administration has prioritised upgrading regional hospitals, improving laboratory capacity, expanding dialysis services and increasing the number of ambulances and emergency response units in the atolls.
New ambulances have been deployed to multiple islands, and health centres in Raa Atoll and neighbouring regions have received upgraded facilities and equipment. The government has also launched the country’s first air ambulance service, a major step in improving emergency medical transfers for patients in remote islands. Alongside this, laboratory services are being reinforced with trained staff and modern diagnostic equipment, while dialysis units continue to be established in regional hospitals to reduce the need for patients to travel to Malé.
These efforts form part of a wider strategy to ensure that advanced medical care is accessible across the Maldives, not concentrated in the capital.
Outreach programmes from Ungoofaaru Hospital have further supported island‑level care, with specialist teams travelling to health centres in Maduvvari, Hulhudhuffaaru and other islands to provide consultations and follow‑up services.
For residents of the northern atolls, the latest procedure at Ungoofaaru Hospital is seen as a sign of how regional healthcare is changing. With more specialists leading advanced treatments, and with major upgrades underway, the hospital is positioning itself as a key medical hub for Noonu, Raa, Baa and Lhaviyani Atolls.
Hospital officials said the success of the hysteroscopic myomectomy demonstrates the value of investing in regional capacity. For many families, it means access to care that previously required travel to Malé or abroad.
P.S. Where is Ungoofaaru?
Ungoofaaru is the capital island of Raa Atoll in the northern Maldives. It serves as the main population and service hub for the atoll, with Ungoofaaru Regional Hospital acting as the referral centre for Noonu, Raa, Baa and Lhaviyani Atolls.
Ifuru Airport is the closest airport to Ungoofaaru. It is one from among the country’s 20 operational airports, and sits within Raa Atoll with regular connections to Malé.
Nearby Atolls:
- Noonu Atoll to the north
- Baa Atoll to the south
- Lhaviyani Atoll to the east
Together, these four atolls form one of the most active northern clusters in the country for healthcare and tourism.
Raa Atoll has developed into a strong tourism zone with a mix of highend resorts and mid market properties. The atoll is known for wide lagoons, deep channels and rich marine life. Several international brands operate in Raa, and new resorts continue to open, supported by Ifuru Airport and improved sea transport links. Tourism has expanded steadily, creating jobs and strengthening local island economies.
