Parliament Committee Examines Issues in Public Healthcare System

The Parliament Committee on Social Affairs summoned officials from the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) and Aasandha to discuss pressing concerns about the state of the Maldives’ public healthcare system.  

NSPA CEO Heena Waleedh and Aasandha CEO Aminath Zeeniyaa briefed the committee on the government’s recent adjustments to medicine pricing and the expansion of the public insurance scheme.  

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Private Pharmacies Resist Drug Price Reductions  

Heena Waleedh, who is also the President’s Spokesperson, raised concerns about some private pharmacies in the Maldives refusing to comply with the government-mandated price reductions on medicines. While the majority of pharmacies have adhered to the changes, a few continue to sell medications at inflated rates.  

Highlighting the issue, Heena noted that drug prices in the Maldives are significantly higher than in neighbouring countries, with some medications marked up by as much as 4,000%. She assured the committee that these medicines are available at reduced rates through State Trading Organisation (STO) pharmacies under the Aasandha scheme.  

To improve access and affordability, the government has collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to introduce a special list of essential medicines.  

Plans to Expand Aasandha Coverage to Thailand and UAE  

Waleedh revealed that discussions are underway to extend Aasandha coverage to hospitals in Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. This would provide Maldivian citizens travelling for treatment with access to medical care and accommodation under the insurance scheme.  

The initiative aligns with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s January pledge to broaden Aasandha’s scope to include these international facilities.  

Heena also addressed longstanding challenges in the Aasandha system, citing rising costs and past instances of political misuse. She stated that no previous government had adequately reformed the system and acknowledged that many Aasandha bills remain unpaid. Efforts are ongoing with the Ministry of Finance to settle outstanding payments.  

Negotiations with Local Hospitals to Lower Costs  

Aminath Zeeniyaa, CEO of Aasandha, expressed concern over the high costs of services at major private hospitals in the Maldives, which often exceed those in foreign medical facilities. She informed the committee that negotiations are underway with these hospitals to secure more affordable patient pricing.  

Zeeniyaa highlighted recent enhancements to the Aasandha scheme, which now includes coverage for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and thalassaemia treatments—services previously excluded from the system.  

The discussions underscore the challenges faced in balancing affordability and sustainability within the healthcare system. While officials outlined steps to address systemic issues, questions remain over the effectiveness and long-term impact of these measures.