Seven clinics, including Senahiya, to provide full Aasandha coverage for mental‑health treatment from January 1

Seven clinics, including Senahiya, will begin providing full Aasandha coverage for mental health treatment from Thursday, the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) announced on Wednesday.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had earlier stated, during an event held on November 17 to mark the government’s two‑year anniversary, that Aasandha would cover all mental‑health‑related expenses starting January 1. NSPA confirmed that the scheme will now be implemented through seven designated service providers.

The clinics offering full coverage are: 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, and long queues for treatment have been a persistent challenge. Health Minister Abdulla Nazim said on Monday evening that the rise in mental illness is one of the biggest issues facing the health sector. He said the government is working to increase the number of psychiatrists and expand mental‑health services in Malé and the atolls.

The government launched a mental‑health helpline, 1677, on February 21, 2024 to support those seeking assistance. A national priority strategy aimed at reducing suicides linked to mental illness was also 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.