Parliament Approves Bill Allowing Pension Access for Major Illnesses

In a landmark decision, the Parliament has accepted a bill proposing a significant amendment to the Pension Act. The new legislation will permit individuals battling serious illnesses such as cancer to access their pension funds for treatment. The government-backed bill was introduced after the ruling-PNC-dominated Parliament rejected a similar amendment submitted by opposition MDP MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo) in October. The bill, sponsored by PNC’s Milandhoo MP Hassan Mufeedh Abdul Qadir, includes provisions allowing pension holders to withdraw funds regardless of age, either as a lump sum or in installments, for medical treatment. Another amendment permits pension holders to use their funds to cover Hajj expenses. The bill was unanimously accepted by 51 lawmakers and has been forwarded to the Independent Institutions Committee for further review.