Only 39 Couples Eligible for State-Funded IVF Treatment, NSPA Confirms

The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has revealed that only 39 out of 135 couples who applied for state-funded In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment are eligible under the scheme.

NSPA opened applications for public health insurance coverage, Aasandha, for 50 couples unable to afford IVF treatment independently on 20 November. The application period closed on 20 December.

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The agency received 135 applications within the designated period. Following a review, only 39 couples met the eligibility criteria set under the established policies. NSPA has published a preliminary list of applicants eligible to receive state-funded IVF treatment and arranged funding for those deemed eligible.

The preliminary list also outlines the reasons why the remaining applicants did not meet the eligibility requirements. NSPA is accepting complaints regarding the preliminary list until 14:00 on Monday. The final list of beneficiaries will be published on 1 February after reviewing submitted complaints and making any necessary revisions.

Aasandha coverage for IVF was expanded in 2024. In the first batch of applicants, 100 couples were selected to undergo IVF, of whom 93 received treatment and 23 successfully conceived. A total of MVR 30 million was allocated for their treatment.

Introducing coverage for IVF and IUI treatments was among President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s electoral pledges, with a commitment to deliver within the first 14 weeks in office.

IVF treatments under Aasandha are currently available in the Maldives at Tree Top Hospital, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, and Dharumavantha Hospital.