Maldives Expands Aasandha Healthcare Abroad Amid Domestic Medicine Shortage

The Maldives is grappling with a severe shortage of essential medicines, leaving citizens facing difficulties in accessing basic healthcare services. Amidst widespread complaints about the declining quality of healthcare, the government has announced the expansion of the Aasandha healthcare scheme to Maldivians residing in the Philippines. Around 700 Maldivians live in the Philippines, primarily for pilot training or medical studies. The move has raised questions about its rationale, especially when the healthcare system at home is under significant strain. The Aasandha program for overseas Maldivians, initially launched under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's 'Meranaa' scheme, covers citizens in Sri Lanka, India, and Malaysia. Under this program, participants are allocated annual coverage of 150,000 rufiyaa for inpatient services, including outpatient care, and up to 10,000 rufiyaa for outpatient services that do not require hospitalization. In the Philippines, 65 percent of medical treatment costs will now be covered. Critics argue that the scheme disproportionately benefits affluent Maldivians living abroad, many of whom can afford private healthcare. Experts warn that expanding the program without reforming its structure will place additional financial pressure on the already overburdened Aasandha system. Officials emphasize the need for a more targeted approach, suggesting that only those who cannot afford treatment should receive state support. Meanwhile, Aasandha's budget is under severe strain, with spending already exceeding the allocated 1.8 billion rufiyaa by mid-December. Reforms, including an insurance-based model with co-payments, are urgently needed to ensure the program's sustainability.