Students enrolled in the National Certificate III in Phlebotomy programme at The Maldives National University (MNU) gained practical clinical experience through placements at hospitals in Malé, Hulhumalé and Addu City from 10 December 2025 to 25 January 2026. The placements provided 20 students with an opportunity to apply classroom-based learning in real healthcare settings and strengthen essential professional competencies.

Of the seven students enrolled at the Malé Campus, five were placed at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), while two completed their clinical experience at Hulhumalé Hospital. A further 13 students enrolled at the Hithadhoo Campus undertook their placement at Addu Equatorial Hospital (AEH).

During the placements, students gained hands-on experience in phlebotomy procedures, as well as key laboratory and healthcare practices including specimen reception, specimen handling and transportation, and infection prevention and control measures. Exposure to these areas enabled students to develop practical skills within the workflow of hospital-based healthcare services.

The clinical experience also strengthened the connection between theoretical learning and professional practice. By applying procedures and knowledge acquired during their programme in clinical environments, students were able to further develop the practical competencies required for phlebotomy practice and laboratory support services.

The placements also contributed to continued engagement between MNU and participating healthcare institutions, providing a practical platform for collaboration in health professional education and workforce development.

Through clinical education that combines classroom instruction with supervised workplace experience, the National Certificate III in Phlebotomy programme supports the development of appropriately skilled healthcare personnel and contributes to strengthening health-sector capacity in the Maldives. The initiative reflects the Faculty of Health Sciences’ commitment to providing practice-oriented education that prepares students for professional roles in healthcare.