Graduation of the first-ever locally trained radiographers

A 2018 study in the Maldives by GE Healthcare revealed a startling fact—a vast majority of our radiographers were foreign nationals. This sparked a mission to train locals and strengthen our healthcare system. STO and GE Healthcare partnered to launch the country’s first-ever radiography training program. In 2019, STO Training Institute was established and officially registered with the Ministry of Higher Education.

The course was announced in July 2022, with the first batch to be fully sponsored by STO, including their monthly allowance. A total of 94 applicants competed for the 25 slots. After a thorough screening and selection process, 25 students began their training in October 2022.

The program included 2 years of theory and 6 months of hands-on clinical experience in five major hospitals in the Maldives. Students underwent motivational training, customer care prep, and clinical placements. By February 2025, their internships were complete, earning praise from their supervisors for both skill and professionalism.

Out of the 25 students, 23 successfully graduated and are now ready to serve across the nation. Two of them have already begun their career, working in the atolls.

The graduation ceremony for the first ever locally trained radiographers in the Maldives was honored by the Minister of Health H.E. Mr. Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim as the Chief Guest. Our Managing Director, Mr. Shimad Ibrahim also took the stage at today’s historic ceremony, reaffirming STO’s commitment to nurturing more local talent and transforming the healthcare system from within.

We applause all 23 graduates as we celebrate their hard work, pioneering spirit, and eagerness to learn. We are honored to have played a role in nurturing their career.