MVR 1.6 million from Zakat Fund for medical treatment in May

Maldives Zakat House, on Thursday, said MVR 1.6 million was disbursed from the Zakat Fund in May to cover the medical expenses of 180 people who are low-income and orphaned.

Statistics publicized by the Zakat House of May show that a total of MVR 1,632,265 was utilized from to fund the medical expenses of people who are low-income and orphaned. The details of the financial assistance are as follows:

• Cancer treatment: MVR 453,574.50
• Treatment for kidney diseases: MVR 72,088.50
• Cardiovascular surgery: MVR 67,848
• Brain surgery: MVR 72,088.50
• Treatment for other diseases: MVR 619,113

The highest amount of financial assistance was disbursed from the Zakat fund for treating other diseases, accounting for 47.5 percent of the total fund disbursed. This is followed by financial assistance for cancer treatment at 34.9 percent. Treatment for kidney diseases and brain surgery comes in third and fourth respectively, with 6.8 percent and 5.5 percent. The least funds were disbursed for cardiovascular surgery, at 5.2 percent.

Individuals who received financial assistance to cover medical expenses in May included individuals who were allocated the funds back in May. It exceeded the total allocation of MVR 1.2 million in the Zakat Fund for medical expenses in May. 

Other expenses incurred by the Zakat House included MVR 2.6 million to pay the salaries of its administrative staff. MVR 41,937.71 was disbursed as Fitr Zakat, that had been delayed by administrative and bank account-related issues.

A separate entity under the name Zakat House was established after the new administration took office. As per the Islamic Ministry, the purpose of the Zakat House is to fortify the Maldivian Zakat system.