Minister of Finance Dr. Mohamed Shafeeq has announced that efforts to bring reformations to the Aasandha system will commence this October.
Speaking at the Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts, Minister Dr. Shafeeq detailed that the reform initiative for the Aasandha system is set to start in October. He emphasised the system's vital role for residents and assured that any changes will be implemented only after thorough consultation with the public, ensuring that no modifications will adversely affect residents.
Furthermore, Minister Dr. Shafeeq highlighted the importance of avoiding unnecessary operations, tests, or medications under the Aasandha scheme. The minister highlighted that such actions increases wasteful expenditures, while putting patients into difficult conditions. He also stressed the need for public awareness campaigns regarding the forthcoming changes to the Aasandha system.
On August 5, the Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs held a significant meeting with the senior officials of the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) and Aasandha Company Limited. Speaking at the committee meeting, NSPA's Cheif Executive Officer (CEO) Heena Waleedh outlined the efforts being made to enhance and strengthen the service systems of both entities. She revealed that the objective behind this change is to ensure that the Aasandha better serves those most in need, adding that Aasandha would prioritise private insurance starting from October 1. As such, Heena said that individuals with other insurance plans will be required to first clear their bills through their primary insurance before using Aasandha and NSPA for the remaining balance.
Furthermore, Heena noted the cost of services at private hospitals in the Maldives is excessively high. She said that NSPA bears a significant financial burden, given that major surgeries are not conducted in government hospitals.