Aasandha to cover overseas travel for treatments available locally subject to conditions

Aasandha has revised its operational guidelines to allow patients to seek treatment abroad under the scheme for certain procedures available within the Maldives, subject to individual circumstances and accessibility considerations.

The changes form part of broader government efforts to address challenges faced by the public in accessing essential healthcare services.

Under the previous policy, Aasandha coverage for overseas treatment was limited to medical services unavailable in the Maldives. However, the revised guidelines grant Aasandha the authority to approve treatment abroad based on factors such as the severity of a patient’s condition, clinical needs, difficulties in accessing treatment locally, and other relevant social and health factors.

As part of the changes, the "Vira Form" has been discontinued. Aasandha and the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) announced that all applications for medical assistance must now be submitted through the "My Aasandha" portal. The integrated platform enables applicants to access both Aasandha services and NSPA welfare assistance through a single system, streamlining the application process and improving administrative efficiency.

The range of services covered under the Aasandha scheme has also been expanded. Notable additions include return airfare coverage for patients transported through medical evacuation services and the provision of a third ticket or an additional escort where clinically necessary. Specialized medications for diseases such as cancer and Gaucher disease have also been added to the Approved Drug List (ADL).

According to the Health Ministry, 16 services previously administered under NSPA’s Medical Welfare Scheme have now been transferred to Aasandha. These include specialized diagnostic procedures, medical equipment, and follow-up care for Thalassemia patients who have undergone bone marrow transplants. In addition, the "Merana" scheme, which supports Maldivian students living abroad, has been further expanded.

Aasandha has encouraged individuals seeking additional information or assistance regarding the changes to contact its hotline at 1400. Although Aasandha continues to represent one of the largest expenditure on the state budget, the latest reforms are expected to improve access to healthcare services and simplify the delivery of assistance to the public.