Gov seeks to stop unnecessary repeat testing under Aasandha

Aminath Zeeniya, the Managing Director of Aasandha, told the Parliament’s Social Affairs Committee on Tuesday that the public health insurance provider is working with the Health Ministry to stop unnecessary repeat testing under Aasandha.

Zeeniya, who was summoned by the committee on Tuesday for questioning regarding rates of services and medicine provided under the public health insurance scheme, said that the authorities have begun rolling out systemic changes to stop unnecessary repeat testing.

“For example, requiring that a certain test cannot be repeated within a three-month timeframe. Or having doctors sent an alert if a test is done three months prior. It will also be easier to take action against doctors if they order repeat testing without justification,” she said.

Zeeniya said Aasandha is also working with the Health Ministry to formulate treatment guidelines to control the rate of services provided under Aasandha.

She said she hopes all medical facilities will follow the guidelines, which she said will minimize unnecessary testing.

Zeeniya previously announced that Aasandha is also working on formulating special packages as part of efforts to reform the health insurance service and manage expenses at a sustainable level.

She told the committee on Tuesday that work on formulating the packages remain in progress. According to Zeeniya, once the packages are finalized, Aasandha will be provided to medical facilities that agree to the packages.

The annual budget allocation for Aasandha this year is MVR 1.9 billion. However, spending on the insurance service has risen above MVR 2.5 billion.