Aasandha Company Limited has revealed over 7,000 people sought medical treatment abroad under its universal health insurance scheme last year.
According to statistics publicised by Aasandha, 7,375 people sought treatment under its health insurance scheme in 2019, which is a significant increase from the 5,588 people who sought treatment abroad in 2018. Aasandha stated an average of 17 people are sent abroad for treatment on a daily basis for treatment that is not available in Maldives. The company said the availability of a treatment in Maldives is confirmed by doctors in healthcare institutions which provide Aasandha services.
Aasandha also revealed most patients who sought treatment abroad last year were cancer patients. Most common forms of cancer in Maldives include oral cancer, breast cancer and thyroid cancer, while cervical cancer cases have also showed an increase in the past few years.
According to statistics from the Oncology Department of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), an average of 53 new cancer patients are registered in the department every month. Developments have been made in cancer treatment over the past few years, with 95% of all cancer surgeries now available in Maldives. Meanwhile all cancer treatments, except radiation treatment, are also available in Maldives.