Aasandha expands ambulance coverage to six more cases, including transport of deceased

The government has expanded Aasandha coverage to include six additional situations, including the transport of deceased patients by ambulance.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the changes at a press conference on Monday, noting that ambulance services will now be covered under Aasandha in several non‑emergency situations as well.

The third amendment to the Aasandha Scheme Regulations was published in the Gazette on Tuesday. Under the amendment, ambulance expenses can now be billed to Aasandha in the following seven circumstances:

• Transporting patients in emergency or critical situations  

• Transporting deceased persons  

• Bringing bedridden patients for outpatient services  

• Bringing wheelchair‑bound patients for outpatient services  

• Transferring admitted patients from one health facility to another for further treatment or tests  

• Transporting inpatients to the jetty or airport when referred abroad for treatment  

• Bringing thalassemia patients for outpatient services  

The amendment takes effect on Wednesday.

President Muizzu said the decision followed extensive technical discussions, budget analysis, and financial calculations, and expressed hope that the expanded coverage would bring relief to the public.

Critically ill patients and those requiring emergency treatment are already transported free of charge by ambulance.