Dialysis can be done at IGMH for MVR 400: NSPA

National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has said that no permission has been given to charge more than MVR 400 for dialysis at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

Speaking to reporters following today’s parliament debate regarding the increase in the price of dialysis treatment, Head of NSPA, Minister of State for Health Thorig Ali Luthfy said that dialysis can be done at IGMH for the same price since 2011, and no permission had been granted to increase the price.

“If IGMH wants to change the price, we have to hold discussions. They have to inform us why they want to increase the price. Even if IGMH increases the price of dialysis, our system would reject the bill,” he said.

Thorig said that the price first proposed by IGMH for dialysis following the introduction of Aasandha in January 2012 was MVR 5,700. He said that this price was not accepted by NSPA, and it was eventually reduced to MVR 400.

“When we took over, NSPA had agreed to charge MVR 1,350 for dialysis. The prices were revised in August 2012, and it was decided to reduce the price to MVR 1,000 for new providers of this treatment. ADK still charges MVR 1,350, of which we cover MVR 1,000,” he said.

Thorig said that Aasandha will cover MVR 1,000 for people who obtain dialysis from ADK and Hulhumale’ Hospital, and that IGMH still charges MVR 400 for the treatment.

He said that last year, MVR 4.3 million was spent for dialysis treatment for 190 people at IGMH, and this year up until now, MVR 2.2 million has been spent for this treatment for 162 people.