President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that a decision has been made to amend the Aasandha scheme so that people earning more than USD 3,882 will no longer receive full coverage.
Speaking at a press conference at the President's Office, President Dr Muizzu noted that, under the current Aasandha system, both the wealthiest individuals and ordinary people receive services without any difference in coverage. However, he said that professionals in the field do not consider this to be the most appropriate approach.
As a result, President Muizzu said that, in the coming days, people earning more than USD 3,882 will no longer receive Aasandha coverage in full under the current arrangement.
“Those earning more than USD 3,882 will receive Aasandha through a co-pay or pre-pay system. As a result, USD 18.57 million will be available each year to be spent on other needs of the people,” President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said.
The President said it was not appropriate for wealthy individuals to receive all medical treatment through the Aasandha system on the same basis as the general public. He said the changes have been scheduled to take effect from next month.
He added that the changes would reduce expenditure on Aasandha this year as well. However, the President said the changes would have a significantly greater impact on expenditure next year.
President Muizzu also said that the relevant authorities would announce further details of the changes being introduced to the Aasandha system.
Aasandha is the national health insurance scheme established by the Government to facilitate free access to healthcare services for all citizens of the Maldives. The scheme is administered by Aasandha Company Private Limited, a company in which the Government holds a 100 per cent share.