Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem has said efforts are underway to revamp the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha, in a way that will reduce the cost for medical care from the state budget and reduce the wastage of taxpayer money.
Responding to a question posed at the Parliament of the Maldives, Health Minister Naseem said the difficulties faced in obtaining Aasandha for some minor diseases and common diseases, the minister said efforts are underway to identify issues in the scheme and bring about changes to the services of Aasandha. Moreover, he said that a special report will also be submitted to the parliament identifying such issues.
Over the past 10 years, USD1.04 billion has been spent from the state budget to provide insurance for medical services. Aasandha has brought major changes to strengthen the company in the past three years. In this regard, a transparent system has been established in the company, resolving major issues in the company’s annual figures, conducting an audit of the company and connecting the services of Male’ and atolls through a single network after resuming the Vinavi Aasandha system.
