Finance Committee to study sustainable health insurance for all

The Parliament's Finance Committee has decided to conduct a study on providing health insurance to all citizens in a sustainable manner, following a petition signed by over 7,000 people calling for the removal of the costly health insurance package given to Members of Parliament. During the committee meeting held today, MP for Hithadhoo Medhu Constituency, Ahmed Azan Marzooq, proposed the study, which was seconded by MP for Hulhumale Dhekunu Constituency, Dr. Ahmed Shamheed. The proposal was unanimously approved by the members present. Azan explained that MPs receive insurance under a specific law, and that employees of many other state institutions, including the Cabinet of Ministers and courts, also receive health insurance in addition to Aasandha. He noted that the general public only receives Aasandha, while state-funded insurance is provided to all these institutions. He stated that while MPs' health insurance is provided under an established system, rather than simply removing it, it would be better to address the issue in a sustainable manner. He acknowledged the public's concern behind the petition and said it must be taken into account. Azan proposed making changes to the health insurance system in the most cost-effective way, after consulting with all relevant authorities and considering the government's views. Dr. Shamheed, while supporting Azan's proposal, suggested that the Finance Committee appoint a small subcommittee to study the entire matter. He also noted that during the parliamentary debate on the petition, some members called for providing a health insurance package similar to that given to MPs to all citizens, saying this would reduce costs.