Health Minister Nazim rejects claims citizens must beg Aasandha for medical care

Health Minister Abdullah Nazim Ibrahim on Wednesday dismissed claims that Maldivians must “beg” for assistance from the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha.  

Responding to remarks by Keyodhoo MP Mohamed Niushad in Parliament, Nazim said it was difficult to believe that people were forced to beg for medical treatment under Aasandha.  

“The very purpose of the system was to eliminate the need to beg for medical expenses. Based on my own experience and what I have seen, I am confident Aasandha is not like that,” he said.  

Nazim described Aasandha as one of the most generous health systems in the world, noting that every citizen has access to doctors and medicines at a level unmatched in many countries.  

While acknowledging that Aasandha is seen as a heavy burden on the state, Nazim praised its current form. The government had previously discussed reforms during last year’s budget process but later decided against them.  

This year’s allocation of MVR 1,859.6 million for Aasandha has already been exhausted before the end of the year.