IGMH Opens State-of-the-Art Hybrid Operating Theatre for Neurological and Cardiac Procedures

Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has announced that its Hybrid Operating Theatre, located at Dharumavantha Hospital’s 11th floor (DH11), is now operational. This advanced facility also includes a catheterisation laboratory, providing enhanced capabilities for neurological, cardiac, and peripheral interventional procedures.

The news was shared today via the hospital's X account, which read: "We are Excited to introduce a state-of-the-art Hybrid Operating Theatre with Cath Lab at Dharumavantha Hospital (DH11)! This advanced facility will enhance our services for neurological, cardiac, and peripheral interventional procedures, bringing world-class care to the Maldives."

We are Excited to introduce a state-of-the-art Hybrid Operating Theatre with Cath Lab at Dharumavantha Hospital (DH11)! This advanced facility will enhance our services for neurological, cardiac, and peripheral interventional procedures, bringing world-class care to the Maldives.… pic.twitter.com/WktCd5QCB1

— IGMH (@igmhmv) October 11, 2024

Dharumavantha Hospital, a 25-storey building constructed during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Qayyoom, cost over MVR 2.1 billion. Equipped with modern facilities and a fully functioning operating theatre, the theatre had remained unused for six years due to various challenges.

IGMH CEO Ibrahim Haleem explained that the prolonged disuse of the theatre led to technical issues, including problems with some of the motherboard’s circuits. However, after importing the necessary spare parts, the theatre was made fully operational last week.

"We equipped the facility three times before commencing services. Now, neurosurgeries are being carried out in the cath lab, alongside cardiac procedures. In the future, this will be dedicated to endovascular and neurosurgeries," said Haleem. He added that they did not want to open the theatre for public use until all defective parts were fully replaced.

The DH11 floor also houses ten ICU beds, of which four had been in use previously. According to Haleem, the entire floor is now fully operational, and the hospital plans to start stroke patient treatments on this floor soon.

IGMH currently has 14 ICU beds in total, which can sometimes reach full capacity, leading to wait times for incoming patients. The opening of the hybrid theatre will alleviate some pressure on the hospital’s other four operating theatres, which will now be available for general surgeries.

The addition of the hybrid theatre is expected to further enhance cardiac and neurosurgical procedures, providing the hospital with cutting-edge technology and facilities.

"This theatre is a huge step forward for the Maldives’ health sector," said Haleem.