Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem has revealed efforts are underway to bring changes to the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha, in a way it will reduce the cost for medical care from the state budget and reduce the wastage of taxpayer money.
Responding to a question posed at the Parliament of the Maldives, Health Minister Naseem said the difficulties faced in obtaining Aasandha for some minor diseases and common diseases, the minister said efforts are underway to identify issues in the scheme and bring about changes to the services of Aasandha. The minister noted some complaints received regarding Aasandha are the wasteful expenditure and difficulty in obtaining Aasandha for most common small health issues. He said that a special report will also be submitted to the parliament identifying such issues.
Over the past 10 years, USD1.04 billion has been spent from the state budget to provide insurance for medical services. Aasandha has brought major changes to strengthen the company in the past three years. In this regard, a transparent system has been established in the company, resolving major issues in the company's annual figures, conducting an audit of the company and connecting the services of Male' and atolls through a single network after resuming the Vinavi Aasandha system.
Furthermore, responding to a question posed by the Parliament regarding the construction of 30-bed hospitals in seven islands of the Maldives, Minister Naseem said funds for the project has been allocated to the project from the Kuwait Fund. He said that the projects will be completed without any delays.