Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Aishath Mohamed Didi has said that a special law will be formulated to change the health insurance scheme provided by Aasandha Company Limited for the rich and poor equally. She said that the National Social Health Insurance Scheme Act bill is currently being drafted and will be submitted to the Parliament of Maldives next year.
Speaking at the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Gender, Minister Aishath said the Aasandha scheme provides services to all sections of society equally. As a result, she said that Aasandha has been forced to spend money that does not meet the country's productivity ratio.
Furthermore, Minister Aishath said the gender ministry and relevant agencies are currently working together to formulate the National Social Protection Framework which will bring major changes in the way health insurance or health services are provided. Noting that the Maldives is spending heavily on medical treatment and other state subsidies, the minister said that all subsidies are given on the same basis without discrimination. However, she said that international financial institutions have recommended changing the subsidy system in the country. She added the government has also decided to change the subsidy system in next year's budget.
Speaking at the committee, Minister Aishath said that health insurance is being provided without discrimination between the poor, the working people, and the rich. However, she said the new law will establish a social protection flow under Aasandha that will be available in a separate package for individuals most in need of it.
The Aasandha scheme, which was launched in 2008, costs more than USD65 million annually. USD1 billion has been spent under the scheme over the past 10 years.