National heath insurance provider, Aasandha has said arrangements have not yet been completed to avail Aasandha services in Thailand and UAE.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Aasandha's CEO Aminath Zeeniya said efforts are underway to arrange for Maldivians to travel to Thailand and the UAE for medical treatment through Aasandha.
Even previously, Zeeniya had stated that efforts are underway to make the arrangements. At today's press conference, Zeeniya could not provide a specific timeline for when these arrangements would be finalized. She noted that the company is actively exploring how to provide these services in line with government policies.
Aasandha services are currently available at select hospitals in neighboring India and Sri Lanka. Shortly after taking office, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced plans to offer treatment options under Aasandha in Thailand and the UAE, where medical services are generally more advanced. Zeeniya emphasized that it is the President's vision to provide Maldivians with access to treatments unavailable locally from various countries abroad.
The government is also considering measures to better manage Aasandha expenditures, which have been increasing annually. This includes introducing different types of treatments locally that are currently sought abroad.
