Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam has been assigned to take helm of the Ministry of Health.
Minister Aslam has been bestowed with the added responsibility following Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen's Monday evening decision to step down from his designation.
Meanwhile, the official spokesperson of President's Office Ibrahim Hood has given confirmation of the new development in the country's ministerial cabinet.
Earlier, Minister Ameen took the decision to step down from his role following the scrutinizing audit report made revelations of corrupt conduct in Ministry of Health. The procurement of ventilators from a foreign party had raised many red flags during the audit, which has now become alleged as a dishonest transaction.
Minister Ameen had earlier sent a letter to Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih affirming his decision, adding that he will remain detached from the ministerial responsibilities until the investigation on the matter concludes or until the president himself announces a decision.
In the mean time, President Solih has ordered both Anti-Corruption Commission and Maldives Police Service to probe the corruption allegations surfaced from Ministry of Health. Furthermore, he has tasked both of these authorities to investigate Ministry of Tourism based on the revelations from the audit report made towards the said ministry.
On Monday evening, several employees from Ministry of Health were suspended following the allegations rising from the audit.
