Aasandha spends MVR 114M on air ambulance service

The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has revealed that MVR 114.11 million has been spent on patient transport via air ambulances under the Aasandha scheme since the service was launched.  

The agreement to provide air ambulance services was signed on February 28, 2024, and operations began the following day. NSPA reports that MVR 29.01 million was spent last year and MVR 85.1 million so far this year.  

According to statistics released by Maldivian Airlines, 1,800 patients were transported between March and October 2024, with 1,562 trips conducted during that period.  

The air ambulance service operates 24 hours a day and is staffed with trained emergency personnel. A sea ambulance service has also been introduced. The initiative is jointly managed by the Ministry of Health, NSPA, and Aasandha.  

Before the launch of the dedicated service, emergency patient transfers were carried out using helicopters and Donier aircraft with support from Maldivian and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).  

The introduction and expansion of the air ambulance service fulfills a presidential pledge to improve emergency medical access across the country.