Aasandha to fully cover mental health treatments from January

Starting January 1, 2026, all expenses related to mental health treatment will be fully covered under the Aasandha national health insurance scheme, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced on Monday evening.

Speaking at the ceremony marking the two-year anniversary of his administration, the President described mental illness as a serious national issue and expressed concern that Aasandha had not previously provided full coverage for such treatment.

“I was surprised to learn that Aasandha did not cover the full cost of treating these illnesses,” he said.  

“I shall bring an end to it, and from January 1, all expenses for mental illness will be covered by Aasandha,” President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu declared.

The government had earlier launched a dedicated mental health helpline (1677) on February 21, 2024. According to the Health Ministry, 5,364 people had accessed the service as of April 22.

Building on that initiative, a national strategy to reduce suicide linked to mental illness was introduced on October 2.

Aasandha first began limited coverage for mental health treatment in 2020, in response to rising mental health concerns during the COVID-19 lockdown. The new policy marks the first time full coverage will be provided for all mental health-related expenses.