Health Screening Programme for Expats Initiated in Hanimaadhoo

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced the commencement of a health screening initiative for expatriates in HDh. Hanimaadhoo.

In collaboration with the Hanimaadhoo Health Centre, the island council, Mission for Migrant Workers Maldives, and Society for Health Education, HPA is spearheading the health screening event.

This programme aims to cater to 888 expatriates residing in Hanimaadhoo, offering them a range of medical services including general health check-ups, MR vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and complimentary doctor consultations. Additionally, participants will undergo assessments for diabetes and blood pressure.

Expanding its scope beyond Hanimaadhoo, HPA has confirmed plans to extend the programme to other islands within Haa Dhaalu Atoll. The Hanimaadhoo Health Centre affirmed that such health screenings are part of their routine operations in collaboration with the island council. However, the programme has been augmented following the identification of several cases of filariasis among expatriates on the island.

Recent reports have highlighted instances of filariasis in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, with 32 individuals, all of whom are foreign workers, testing positive for the disease thus far. HPA clarified that these infections occurred prior to the individuals’ arrival in the Maldives. 

In response, the health agency has initiated random health screenings in northern regions and the Greater Male’ Region to address any potential public health concerns.