MVR 1 Million Spent on Endometriosis Treatment, Reveals NSPA

The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has spent MVR 1 million for the treatment of 14 individuals diagnosed with endometriosis during the first half of 2025, according to the agency. 

The agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Heena Waleed, revealed the figures on Wednesday while addressing concerns at a session of Parliament’s Social Affairs Committee.

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Members of the committee raised questions about whether state support for endometriosis treatment was sufficient, highlighting the high costs faced by patients seeking care abroad. Heena acknowledged ongoing challenges in ensuring treatment access and explained that arrangements have been in place since last year to facilitate overseas care through Aasandha, under the government’s medical welfare programme.

According to the agency, from January to June this year, MVR 1 million was spent on treating 14 patients with endometriosis. However, committee members noted that current financial support for overseas surgeries, typically ranging from USD 4,500 to 5,000, often falls short of the actual costs, which in some cases are reportedly more than double that amount.

Responding to these concerns, Heena explained that difficulties frequently arise when patients choose hospitals that are not listed under the Aasandha provider network. Individuals opting for treatment at non-affiliated facilities, which are often more expensive, are eligible only for the standard assistance amount offered under Aasandha. She highlighted that these facilities include hospitals in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Turkey, Malaysia, and Thailand.

NSPA Managing Director Aminath Zeeniya informed the committee that efforts were under way to identify a hospital with a comprehensive multi-specialty setup to be included in the Aasandha network. She expressed hope that the agency would be able to finalise such arrangements soon.

Currently, a dedicated endometriosis clinic operates at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) as part of a presidential pledge made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The clinic provides weekly sessions for patients.

Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding the availability of trained specialists to manage the disease. IGMH Medical Director Dr Aiminath Zeyba Ahmed told the committee that there are no formally certified endometriosis specialists either in the Maldives or among hospitals approved under the Aasandha scheme.