President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to introduce prescription glasses service through the State-owned Male’ City Group of Hospitals.
This announcement comes at the back of the decision to double the government support to purchase prescription glasses through the universal health insurance scheme, Aasandha, to USD 130 from next month.
Speaking to PSM News, the President said the government would not allow private opticals to take advantage of the increase in government support for prescription eyewear.
To ensure that, the government has decided to start providing prescription glasses in government hospitals under the Male’ City Group of Hospitals, which is designed to force private businesses to also provide quality glasses at affordable prices.
"I don't care how upset the private opticals are with me. I want businessmen to get rid of the habit of exploiting the people. That is exactly why I have been asking private businesses to get out of the tobacco trade as I care about the health of the people. So with this, the private sector will now have to compete with IGMH [Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital],” he explained.
The central health policy for the current administration is to ensure access to quality healthcare for every citizen without discrimination. The government has undertaken several initiatives to implement the policy.
President Dr Muizzu stated that his administration aims to swiftly improve the public health sector, adding that he is also working to reduce the burden of traveling abroad to get healthcare services and to ensure that people can get the highest quality health care while staying in the country.