MPs Raise Concerns Over Difficulties in Accessing Overseas Medical Treatment

Members of Parliament have raised concerns over challenges in obtaining medical treatment abroad under their health insurance scheme.

The issue was discussed during a meeting of the General Committee of Parliament yesterday, where members reviewed a letter regarding health insurance coverage for MPs, former MPs, their spouses, and children under 18 years of age. Committee Chair Mohamed Shahid introduced the discussion, noting that the letter highlighted difficulties in accessing medical treatment under the scheme.

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The meeting was broadcast live on Parliament’s YouTube channel. However, it was conducted informally with microphones turned off, making it difficult to hear many of the remarks made by MPs.

The primary concern raised was the difficulty in receiving overseas medical treatment through the parliamentary health insurance plan, which is provided by Allied Insurance. PNC MP Ibrahim Didi was the first to voice concerns, although his comments were not audible. PNC MP Ahmed Riyaz also highlighted similar difficulties in using the insurance for treatment abroad.

Riyaz described a recent overseas medical consultation where he had used a letter from Allied Insurance to see a doctor. However, when he sought a consultation with another doctor, he was required to pay upfront and apply for reimbursement. He stated that the reimbursement process was not functioning as expected and that submitting claims after returning to the Maldives was time-consuming. His application for reimbursement was rejected.

During a trip to India, Riyaz also sought reimbursement for his wife’s medical expenses, but his request was denied. He contacted the insurance provider through WhatsApp, arguing that claims for members should not be rejected. Despite his appeal, only MVR 3,000 was reimbursed.

Other MPs also raised concerns, but their statements were not clearly heard due to the lack of microphones. Shahid, who chaired the session, did not use a microphone either.

The committee’s decision on the matter remains unclear. After thirty minutes of discussion, the chair proceeded to the next item on the agenda.