First government optical shop outside Male' opens at Equatorial Hospital in Addu

The first government‑run eyeglass shop outside Male' has opened at the Equatorial Hospital in Addu.

The outlet was inaugurated on Saturday, alongside the official opening of Addu’s first catheterization laboratory (cath lab), which was launched late last month.

Both facilities mark major milestones for regional healthcare development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Male' Hospitals Group CEO Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem said the government’s optical service has so far served around 13,000 people, with 12,056 individuals receiving prescription glasses.

The government introduced its numbered‑glasses service under the name MCGH Opticals in late July last year. Haleem said the service will now be expanded to regional hospitals across the country.

Before the government entered the sector, optical services were provided exclusively by private businesses. Glasses remained costly, and although Aasandha covered MVR 1,000, many people still faced high out‑of‑pocket expenses.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu increased the Aasandha coverage for glasses to MVR 2,000 starting 1 July last year, easing the financial burden on patients.