Gov’t-Run Eyewear Shop at IGMH Costs Over MVR 3.4 Million Annually to Operate

Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has revealed that the government-operated eyewear shop at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) incurs an annual operating cost of more than MVR 3.4 million.

In a written response to a parliamentary question from Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Minister Nazim stated that the shop’s recurrent expenditure amounts to MVR 3,456,212.67 per year. The initial setup of the facility, including construction and equipment, cost approximately MVR 2.6 million.

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MP Mohamed had inquired about both the operational costs and the reasoning behind establishing the service. Minister Nazim explained that the eyeglass shop was introduced to make prescription glasses more affordable to the public, noting that prices charged by private retailers were often high.

He also highlighted that the state health insurance scheme, Aasandha, currently covers up to MVR 1,000 every two years for prescription glasses, leaving many individuals to pay significant additional amounts from their own funds.

When the service was launched in May, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated that the initiative aimed to prevent the eyewear market from being exploited for profit. He said the government’s decision to operate the service through IGMH was intended to ensure fair pricing and accessibility for all.

The President also acknowledged that private eyewear businesses might be dissatisfied with the government’s entry into the market but emphasised the importance of protecting citizens from what he described as exploitative practices.