Aasandha Company Limited has stated it is closely monitoring the situation of patients sent to India for advanced treatment.
The state-owned company administering and managing the national health insurance scheme has been transferring critical care patients to India, under special arrangements made by the government of India. All Maldivian patients transferred to India are undergoing treatment at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) and Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS).
Speaking to PSM News, Managing Director of Aasandha Mariyam Shafeeq revealed 3 Maldivians, including 1 patient and 2 aides, who were taken to AIMS have tested positive for COVID-19. She noted they have been quarantined in the accommodation block of the hospital.
Speaking further, the managing director said Aasandha has been in contact with the management of AIMS in order to closely monitor the situation of Maldivians transferred to the hospital. She said all Maldivians in the hospital are currently doing well, although the hospital has warned the conditions of patients seeking treatment for long-term illnesses could deteriorate if they contract COVID-19. She urged all Maldivians transferred to India to not step out of the hospital premises and to observe strict safety precautions at all times, noting COVID-19 is spreading rapidly across India.
The government of India facilitated the transfer of Maldivians in need of urgent treatment not available in the Maldives, upon the request of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Aasandha utilises a flight from the national airline, Maldivian, to transfer local patients for treatment in India.