Aasandha Company Limited has revealed over USD 187,000 has been provided as aid for locals stranded abroad while seeking medical treatment.
Speaking at a press conference, Managing Director of Aasandha Company Limited Mariyam Shafeeq said several Maldivians had been seeking treatment abroad under the universal health insurance scheme of Aasandha when borders were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the managing director said financial aid worth USD 187,000 has been provided to 287 Maldivians stranded abroad while seeking treatment under the assistance of National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) and Aasandha. She also noted 114 locals have been evacuated from India and Sri Lanka, including individuals who were undergoing treatment and their family members or aides.
Furthermore, the managing director said Aasandha is facilitating medical transfer for individuals who need to travel between islands for medical purposes. She said medical transfer services will be provided for patients undergoing chemotherapy, dialysis, blood transfusion and labour.
Aasandha states 161 individuals have been transferred between islands since April 21 under the medical transfer services. Furthermore, the company said 339 patients have been transferred under emergency evacuation since April 15, while 31 flights have been chartered by Aasandha during this period.