Medical coverage concerns prompt MPs to summon Allied to review the insurance scheme

MPs are meeting with Allied because they say their current health insurance is not adequate.

Allied Insurance Company, which provides insurance services to MPs, has been summoned to appear before the General Purpose Committee after parliamentarians complained that they face difficulties obtaining treatment in Maldives and abroad under the current scheme.

Members of Parliament are among the highest-paid individuals in the country with multiple allowances. However, complaints about salary and allowances being inadequate are common within the People’s Majlis. At the same time, the 20th Parliament has faced public criticism for frequently canceling sittings and committee meetings.

At Tuesday’s General Purpose Committee meeting, PNC MP Ibrahim Didi (IB) of Feydhoo South Constituency (Homeland Minister Ali Ihusaan’s father) raised the issue, noting that no major improvements had been seen since the scheme shifted from Allied to Amana Takaful. IB said parliament members sometimes encounter obstacles when seeking treatment both locally and overseas, and asked the committee to explore possible solutions.

Committee Chair and Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid said insurance providers are selected through an open bidding process, with the winning company awarded a one-year contract. He said Allied and Amana Takaful consistently competed for the contract.

He said that there is a misconception among the public about MPs’ insurance coverage. “People think that if you are a parliament member, you can get as much treatment covered from anywhere you want without any kind of limit. These are all falsehoods that are being spread. We also have a limit,” he said.

Shahid noted that MPs also receive the same services available under Aasandha for the general public.

Then microphones were turned off, whereupon parliament members discussed the matter briefly. Concluding the meeting, Shahid said Allied Insurance would attend the next sitting of the committee to address parliament members’ concerns.