Thursday
21st Nov 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Photo: President's Office.
The CEO of the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA), Heena Waleed, has announced that hospitals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Thailand will soon be included in the Aasandha health insurance network. The decision aligns with the government’s initiative to broaden the scope of health care access for Maldivians and reduce reliance on specific countries.
Speaking to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Heena stated that discussions with hospitals in both countries have been fruitful, and details of the partnership, including the service commencement date, will be announced soon.
This development follows President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's announcement earlier this year, where he emphasized the need to diversify Aasandha's international network. In January, the President highlighted the importance of reducing dependency on a single country and ensuring that Maldivians have access to high-quality healthcare across multiple regions.
Currently, India is the primary beneficiary of Aasandha expenditures, with billions allocated annually to Indian hospitals. However, the expansion to the UAE and Thailand is expected to offer Maldivians alternative options for advanced healthcare services.
The government aims to manage Aasandha’s increasing costs more effectively while ensuring that those most in need receive the highest quality of care. By expanding partnerships to Thailand and the UAE, the government intends to provide diversified and efficient healthcare solutions for the nation.
Further details about the new partnerships and their potential impact on healthcare access are expected in the coming weeks.