The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has disbursed over USD 1.62 million under its medical assistance programme in June.
Established on 27 August 2008, NSPA is responsible for administering the National Social Health Insurance Scheme and planning and implementing the programmes outlined under the Social Protection Act. In addition, NSPA is also tasked with carrying out the duties assigned by the President under the authority given to him by law.
According to NSPA statistics, USD 1,673,152 was spend on providing medical assistance last month, of which USD 525,291 was spent on medical treatment abroad, while USD 1.15 million was utilised for treatment within the Maldives.
NSPA provided financial assistance across 1,173 cases covering 22 medical categories. The numbers show the higher expenditure was spent on treatment for respiratory diseases and nerve diseases. While 112 cases of respiratory illness received assistance, 111 cases of nerve diseases were also assisted. NSPA provided assistance for 104 cases of other diseases, the report by the agency said.
Details of number of cases submitted to the agency:
Maternity: 99 cases
Cancer: 99 case
Paediatrics: 78 cases
Ears, nose and throat (ENT) : 72 cases
Ophthalmology: 72 cases
Gastrointestinal: 66 cases
Nephrology: 63 cases
Cardiovascular: 45 cases
Endocrinology, gynaecology, and mental health: 38 cases
Haematology: 26 cases
Thalassemia: 10 cases
Dermatology:24 cases
Autoimmune and hepatic diseases: 13 cases
Congenital disorders, dental care: 11 cases
Others: 30 case
For inpatient treatment at domestic private healthcare providers, NSPA spend USD 6.5 million for services from ADK Hospital and Tree Top Hospital, with USD 297,522 spent on 187 cases at ADK Hospital and USD 214,007 on 281 cases at Treetop Hospital.
NSPA also spent USD 149,157 on medical devices and equipment. The items distributed in June include:
• 29 BiPAP machines and masks
• 24 hospital beds and air mattresses
• 17 hearing aids
• 14 wheelchairs
• 11 oxygen concentrators
• 9 CPAP machines
• 3 electric wheelchairs
• 2 walkers
• 17 other essential instruments
NSPA has been running various programmes to help people in need of financial assistance. These include the medical assistance programme and a financial support scheme for persons with disabilities. Other initiatives include financial aid for single mothers and fathers living in poverty, as well as assistance for children and their caregivers who are being supported by someone other than their parents due to financial hardship. In addition, the agency provides a food assistance programme for low-income households and administers the national social health insurance scheme.