Only 39 out of 153 couples who applied for IVF treatment deemed eligible

National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) states that only 39 out of 135 couples who applied for state-funded In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment are eligible under the scheme.

NSPA opened applications for public health insurance coverage, Aasandha, for 50 couples unable to afford IVF treatment independently on November 20^th. The application period closed on December 20^th.

On Wednesday, NSPA revealed it had received 135 applications within the designated period, out of which only 39 couples met the eligibility criteria under the established policies. Accordingly, the Agency has published a preliminary list of those who will receive state-funded IVF treatment.

NSPA added that funding has been arranged for those deemed eligible.

The preliminary list also specifies why the remaining applicants did not meet the eligibility requirements.

NSPA is accepting complaints for the preliminary list until 14:00pm on next Monday. The Agency added that it will publish the final list of beneficiaries of state-funded IVF treatment on February 1^st, following a review of submitted complaints and any necessary revisions.

Aasandha was expanded to cover IVF in 2024. 100 couples were selected to undergo IVF among the first batch of applicants. Of them, 93 couples underwent IVF, 23 of whom successfully conceived. A total of MVR 30 million was allocated for their treatment.

Introducing Aasandha coverage for IVF and IUI treatments was one of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s electoral pledges – and one which he had promised to deliver within the first 14 weeks in office.

The fertility treatments are currently available in the Maldives at Tree Top Hospital, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital and Dharumavantha Hospital.