Aasandha Addresses Issues with Accessing Medicines 

Aasandha Company has announced measures to address difficulties faced by individuals in accessing medicines under the Aasandha national health insurance scheme, particularly for those undergoing treatment for major and chronic illnesses.

In response to complaints, the company has introduced a dedicated hotline to report issues related to obtaining medications. Awareness posters have been shared on the company’s social media platforms and displayed in pharmacies participating in the scheme. Individuals are encouraged to report instances where they are required to pay out-of-pocket for medicines or when medications are unavailable.

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Aasandha clarified that no medications have been officially excluded from the scheme. The prices of approximately 250 expensive drugs have been revised based on invoices submitted by patients.

Reports have surfaced of some pharmacies refusing to dispense medicines under the scheme, citing financial challenges. In response, Aasandha will place posters in every pharmacy to collect complaints, which will be investigated as they are received.

Previously, some pharmacies stopped issuing medicines under the scheme, requiring patients to pay for medications themselves or purchase them at self-pay rates after covering the prices fixed by Aasandha.

Aasandha also stated that the scheme sources medicines at reduced prices through bulk procurement. While some price differences for certain brands may apply, medications are available at STO pharmacies without requiring additional payment from patients.

The company is working with STO to ensure that medicines remain available at pharmacies across the Maldives.