NSPA Launches WhatsApp Service to Ease Therapy Access for Maldivians Abroad

The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has launched a dedicated WhatsApp service to streamline accessC access to therapeutic treatments for Maldivians residing overseas. The move aims to eliminate communication barriers that previously hindered citizens from accessingHPL accessing essential health services while living abroad. The NSPACPA provides critical interventions, including speech and occupational therapy, for citizens both domestically and internationally. However, the agency identified significant hurdles for overseas residents attempting to navigate the official hotline, primarily due to conflicting time zones and connectivity issues. NSPA Chief Executive Officer Aminath Shirna told PSM News that 58 Maldivians living abroad have already registered with the agency. She noted that the transition to WhatsApp allows users to receive support and information directly on their mobile devices, providing a more flexible and convenient alternative to traditional phone calls. The new digital service is available daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, excluding public holidays, via the number 7291402. This initiative ensures that those in need of therapy can coordinate their care regardless of their geographic location. Beyond therapeutic services, the NSPA manages a broad spectrum of social assistance programmes. This includes health-related treatments integrated with the Aasandha universal health insurance scheme, as well as targeted support for the elderly, single mothers, and individuals living in_poverty. The agency's expansion into digital communication reflects a broader effort to modernize social protection delivery for the Maldivian diaspora.