Parliament passes resolution on Aasandha coverage for fertility treatments

The Parliament has passed a resolution calling for the inclusion of fertility treatments under Aasandha - the national social health insurance scheme.

The resolution – which was submitted by South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem – was called to vote after committee review on Wednesday afternoon.

It passed with the unanimous vote of 45 MPs.

Meekail, who submitted the resolution in August last year, stressed that infertility issues are rising in Maldives, and required urgent attention from the government.

He called on the government to expand and improve access to fertility treatments under Aasandha.

Meekail said the government needs to ascertain the right to equal and quality essential services under the law on the national social health insurance system, and the law on provision of health services, to all Maldivian people.

Meekail said the national social health insurance system currently severely constricts access to fertility treatments, leaving people undergoing fertility treatments unable to access medication they need on a regular basis.

He noted that Aasandha does not cover even some of the most basic medication for infertility issues.

Those who debated on the resolution on Wednesday agreed with its importance, and called for Aasandha coverage for fertility treatment, as soon as possible.