Right to Sexual and Reproductive Health Education 2016 10.3.2 Access to Health Services The lack of availability of health services or health facilities was one area where a consensus was reached among all the participants in these discussions. Participants in general were not happy about the quality of health services provided in their islands, and this opinion was more prevalent among those who were living in the islands. Almost all participants from the islands complained that they are not provided with the same quality of health services that were provided in Male’. Participants from 7 of the 11 selected islands stated that most of the time there were no doctors in their islands. One major complaint was that they did not have easy access to a Paediatrician or a Gynaecologist in their island or in some cases within the atoll and some participants further explained that in case of any emergencies or serious health issues, they always had to travel to Male’ to get access to medical services. Complaints were made on the lack of transportation provided for patients, especially when they have to travel to Male’ even with the help of Aasandha (health insurance scheme in the Maldives). Majority of these participants stated that they either had to hire a launch (speed boat) which was costly or wait for the ferry, if they cannot afford to hire a speed boat. Many reported that in case of emergencies, some patients died before they were able to get the proper medical attention. Many reported that in case a qualified doctor did come to serve in the medical centers in the islands, they were either transferred to the larger islands or often leave without an explanation. They stated that this was the same for trained teachers and qualified nurses. This was a major concern for most participants as they are often forced to wait for another doctor to be assigned to these health centers, which according to them may take many months. A participant from the parents FGs stated: 70 THEMATIC ANALYSIS