Friday
19th Apr 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Parliament secretariat has revealed that the state spends MVR 7.4 million (US$ 482,130.72) as medical insurance premiums annually.
Dhiyares had petitioned Parliament to reveal how much has been spent on medical insurance premiums from May 2021 to May 2023.
The statements issued revealed that Maamigili Constituency Member of Parliament and Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim is at the top of the list. His insurance premiums cost MVR 240,000 (US$ 15,636.67).
South Mahchangolhi Constituency MP Ahmed Haitham, Dhuvaafaru Constituency MP Ismail Ahmed, Mahibadhoo Constituency MP Ahmed Thoriq, Vilingili Constituency MP Saud Hussain, Mulaku Constituency MP Ibrahim Naseer and Gemanafushi Constituency MP Ahmed Saeed’s insurance premiums cost MVR 144,000 (US$ 9,382.00).
Third highest premium was MVR 120,000 (US$ 7,818.34). This went to nine MPs. The least spend was on Meedhoo Constituency MP Ahmed Siyam and Kudahuvadhoo Constituency MP Ahmed Amir. MVR 24,000 (US$ 1,563.67) was spent on the two.
In this period, MVR 7,416,000 (US$ 483,173.16) was spent on MPs medical insurance from the Parliament budget.
The MPs earn MVR 82,500 (US$ 5,375.11) every month in basic salary and perks. MPs medical insurance is separate from their pay, with the spending routed from the Parliament itself. Every MP and dependents listed are eligible to MVR 24,000 (US$ 1,563.67) each.
The insurance package grants MPs service from local hospitals and private hospitals in Asia and SAARC nations.