Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed critical care Maldivian patients can obtain advanced medical treatment from India even if they are not travelling through Aasandha Company Limited.
Previously, only the state-owned company administering and managing the national health insurance scheme transferred critical care Maldivian patients for advanced medical treatment in India. However, the foreign ministry has said critical care Maldivian patients can now travel to India through its consular department. The arrangements were made after discussions with Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives Sanjay Sudhir.
The ministry said permissions will only be granted for those seeking advanced medical care and critical care which are unavailable from the Maldives. The ministry said patients are required to obtain a medical visa from the Indian High Commission in the Maldives. Further, patients who are travelling on their own expenses must arrange quarantine facilities on their own as well.
The borders of India are still closed due to the spread of COVID-19. However, India has approved the travel of Maldivian patients under a special approval, portraying the strong traditional bonds between the two countries. In this regard, Aasandha has transferred dozens of Maldivian patients to India for advanced medical treatment following the arrangements made by the government of India.