Those who paid for Madhana complaining in dismay

The introduction of Aasandha scheme under which healthcare is free, has caused the applicants of Madhana, a health scheme introduced earlier, to start complaining.

The rules of Madhana were such that those wishing to participate had to register and make payment one month in advance of receiving free healthcare. The scheme consisted of packages of Rf 2000, Rf 3500 and Rf 1000. Several applicants made the payments to NSPA even in November and December last year, just before Aasandha was introduced.

They now want refund of the money paid under Madhana, as Aasandha allows free healthcare for everyone.

Director of National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) Maryam Shafeeg said that 215 applicants registered for Madhana in November and December, to benefit from it from 1 January.

80 already-registered members paid Rf 1500 to participate in Madhana Plus from 1 January. 47 people paid Rf 3500 to participate in just Madhana Plus.

Maryam said that some of these members have requested their money back, and that letters have been received asking for refunds.

“About five such requests were received last week. And this week one person asked for a refund. Some people are making these requests in letters, to some of which we have replied in writing as well,” she said.

Employees of NSPA say that the people who have paid money to participate in this scheme this year, gather at their counters daily to complain about this issue.

Maryam said that legal advice has been sought on this matter, and that since the money is now part of the state finances, they have not received any advice which indicates that this money should be returned to the people.

She further said that NSPA did not stop people from making payments for this year.

“We did not say outright, that they should not make those payments. When we accepted those payments, we were also not informed of the free healthcare scheme Aasandha,” Maryam said.

The New Year began with the introduction of Aasandha by the government, a free healthcare shceme for all Maldivians. The people who had paid for Madhana scheme just before Aasandha was introduced, now want their money back. According to NSPA, this money cannot be returned as no legal advice has been received to do so. What remains now are complaints, and it is believed a court ruling will be required to end these complaints.