NSPA medical welfare services moved to Aasandha

The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has transferred all medical services provided under its Medical Welfare Scheme to Aasandha Company, effective Monday.

According to an announcement issued by the Health Ministry, 16 services previously handled by NSPA will now be administered through Aasandha. These include:

• Delivery of medication for patients with chronic and rare conditions  

• Provision of medicines required for ongoing cancer treatment  

• Assistance for patients who need medicines unavailable in Maldives or not on the approved drug list  

• Financial support for essential medicines not available locally  

• Additional travel tickets for patients requiring outpatient treatment  

• Health assistance for Maldivian students studying abroad  

• Support for tests and diagnostics not covered by public hospitals or Aasandha  

• Assistance with medical equipment, assistive devices and consumables needed for treatment  

• Support for patients advised by specialists to return home when no further treatment is available  

• Follow‑up care for thalassemia patients after bone marrow transplantation  

• Assistance for difficulties faced by patients who travelled abroad for treatment at their own expense  

• Issuing referrals for overseas treatment  

• Changing hospitals and obtaining consent for overseas treatment  

• Expanding Meranaa Scheme coverage in emergencies  

• Reviewing referrals when forms are filled by non‑specialists and additional medical opinion is required  

• Increasing limits or providing additional support upon reconsideration by the committee  

The ministry said the public may contact 1400 or 1402 for more information.

Aasandha remains one of the most expensive components of the state budget. Despite high spending on medicines through the scheme, access to essential medication continues to be a major public concern.