Seven Clinics to Offer Full Aasandha Coverage for Mental Health Treatment Starting January 1

Seven clinics, including Senahiya, will begin providing full Aasandha coverage for mental health treatment starting January 1, the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) announced on Wednesday. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had earlier pledged during a government anniversary event on November 17 that Aasandha would cover all mental health-related expenses beginning January 1. The initiative will now be implemented through seven designated service providers: Eve Clinic, V-CARE Counseling and Psychotherapy Centre, Mednova Medical Center, Elite Medical Center, Senahiya, Kulunu Medical Clinic, and Saima. Mental health concerns are widespread in the Maldives, with long queues for treatment posing a persistent challenge. Health Minister Abdulla Nazim highlighted that the rise in mental illness is one of the most pressing issues in the health sector. The government is working to increase the number of psychiatrists and expand mental health services in Malé and the atolls. In February 2024, the government launched a mental health helpline, 1677, to support those seeking assistance. Additionally, a national strategy aimed at reducing suicides linked to mental illness was introduced on October 2. Aasandha first introduced limited mental health coverage in 2020 following the COVID-19 lockdown and the resulting increase in mental health concerns.