Hamza proposes to take a vote to end Aasandha

Following Health Ministry’s statement that Aasandha scheme is against the national health insurance act, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Parliamentary Group Member Ahmed Hamza has proposed that Financial Committee take a vote to end Aasandha.

He said that a scheme which contradicts the law should not be allowed.

Hamza noted that he himself believes that Aasandha is formulated according to the law and regulations; however Ministry of Health indicating otherwise should result in an end being put to the scheme.

“I believe that Aasandha is according to regulations. It should go on. Why isn’t the government saying that the scheme should be stopped? It should be stopped; nothing can be done against rules and regulations. If the agreement contradicts the law, it should be cancelled and the scheme should be stopped immediately,” Bilaydhoo MP Hamza said.

During today’s Committee meeting, Hamza proposed twice to take a vote on this issue. He also suggested that Supreme Court be requested for advice on this issue.

Financial Committee Chairperson Nazim said that the Committee will work towards keeping the expenses within the state budget, and that Council General Fathimath Filza will be consulted regarding the Financial Committee taking a vote to end Aasandha.

Nolhivaram MP Mohamed Nasheed (Colonel) said that the scheme needs to be amended such that it does not conflict with the basic system of national health insurance. It needs to be shaped in such a way the health insurance of one hundred thousand Rufiya per citizen per year is not restricted.

Kulhudhuffushi Uthuru MP Abdul Gafoor Moosa said that Aasandha is currently set up to facilitate corrupt practices by Health Ministry personnel. As a result, the Committee should work endlessly towards resolving the issues surrounding this scheme.

Minister of State for Health Tharig Ali Luthfee stated in the letter sent to Financial Committee that Aasandha scheme does not fit the description of social health insurance in article 4 (a) of national health insurance act.