Gov’t Prioritises Access to High-Cost Cancer Medicines Through Aasandha, Says Minister

Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has said the government places a high priority on ensuring cancer patients have access to high-cost medicines and diagnostic tests through the state health insurance scheme, Aasandha.

The minister made the remarks at an event held yesterday to mark World Cancer Day, where he emphasised that most cancers are fully curable if detected early and treated in a timely manner. He also noted that vaccination provides full immunity against certain types of cancer.

He outlined ongoing efforts to address cancer in the Maldives, including strengthening the national cancer patient register, expanding cancer screening programmes and initiating the provision of cancer treatment services on islands. The government is also working to ensure cancer patients have hassle-free access to expensive medicines and tests through Aasandha, while enhancing psychological support services and palliative care.

Minister Nazim said more than 1,900 cancer patients have been added to the national register over the past eight years, reflecting a significant rise in cancer cases in the Maldives in line with global trends. He added that cancer accounts for 17 per cent of deaths in the country.

Despite the increase in cases, the minister stressed that many cancers can be prevented through lifestyle changes, including avoiding smoking and drug use, maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity.

Statistics released by the Health Protection Agency show fluctuations in the number of new cancer cases registered between 2020 and 2025. A total of 137 new cases were recorded in 2020, rising to 208 in 2021 and peaking at 244 in 2022. The number then declined to 211 cases in 2023, 195 cases in 2024 and 111 cases in 2025.