Aasandha Scheme Opens Doors for 100 Couples to Access IVF Treatment

The Maldivian government has opened applications for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment and Intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment under the Aasandha Scheme, with the opportunity for subsidised IVF treatment open to 100 couples.

In an annoucement published yesterday, the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) states that this move is in accordance with Regulation No. 2015/R-19, and is a step towards fulfilling the government’s commitment to extend state assistance to those who cannot bear the cost of IVF treatment.

From March 15th to May 15th, 2024, eligible individuals can submit applications for treatment, with priority for IVF given to 100 couples with the highest points; three slots are available for IUI treatment.

Eligibility criteria for both IUI and IVF treatments have been outlined, attached to the announcement. For IUI treatment, couples must be married for a minimum of three years, with a diagnosed disease or condition preventing pregnancy in the past three years, and the doctor must recommend IUI as the best option.

Additionally, couples must have no existing children, no history of contraceptive surgery, the wife must be between 25-42 years of age, and the husband must be below 55 years of age. Moreover, there should be no record of criminal convictions in the past three years, the wife’s BMI must be between 19-30 at the time of application, and both partners must have ceased smoking for the past six months to qualify.

Similarly, the criteria for IVF treatment are identical, with the exception of age requirements for the wife, who must be between 30-42 years of age. However, exceptions may be considered if the wife is 25 and above, based on doctor recommendations when no other options are viable. Additionally, applicants must not have completed three rounds of treatment under the scheme or at their own expense to be eligible for IVF treatment.

The funds are inclusive of plane tickets and accomodation, if the treatment requires going abroad.

The application process involves completing a form which can be obtained from designated Aasandha counters or the agency’s website.

Upon completion, applicants are advised to submit their IVF request forms at Aasandha counters located at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Hulhumale Hospital and Mookai Suites, 4th Floor. Similarly, completed IUI request forms should be submitted to the counters of Aasandha Company on the 3rd floor of Fan Building, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Hulhumale Hospital, ADK Hospital and Treetop Hospital. and by email, 1400@aasandha.mv.

Additionally, an online submission option via the Aasandha Digital Portal is set to be introduced next week to streamline the process.

Following submission, Aasandha will review applications for completeness within five official days, communicating any additional requirements to applicants.

Final decisions on eligibility will be conveyed within fifteen official days of receipt of the application. Successful beneficiaries will be notified within thirty official days of the application deadline.

While assistance may not be extended to all applicants in this cycle, unsuccessful candidates will have the opportunity to reapply in subsequent years, according to the announcement.

For further guidance or assistance with the application process, individuals are encouraged to refer to the guidelines provided on the Agency’s website or reach out to the Aasandha hotline/email at 1402/info@nspa.gov.mv.