Finance Minister Moosa Zameer has announced that the government is set to save MVR 500 million through reforms to the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha. The changes, effective from November, are designed to minimise waste and better target benefits to those in need, according to the minister’s address during a parliamentary session on Monday.
Under the new measures, individuals with private insurance will first need to bill their insurance provider for outpatient services before turning to Aasandha for coverage. This change, according to Minister Zameer, is part of a broader strategy to optimise the scheme and reduce unnecessary expenses.
Speaking to lawmakers, the minister addressed concerns about the recent changes and clarified that the reforms would not impact the services currently available to the general public. “There are misconceptions regarding these changes. I want to assure everyone that services under Aasandha for the general public will remain unchanged,” Zameer said. He emphasised that no additional out-of-pocket expenses would be required for patients, even with the new bulk procurement policy and reforms to the Aasandha scheme.
Minister Zameer further explained that the government’s efforts to curb inefficiencies in the system are projected to generate significant savings. “By addressing these leakages, we estimate a saving of approximately MVR 500 million,” he stated.
Further Aasandha Reforms Planned for 2025
The government’s proposed budget for 2025, submitted to Parliament, stands at MVR 56.6 billion, with total expenditure expected to reach MVR 49.2 billion. Aasandha accounts for 5.1 percent of the projected recurrent expenditure. According to the budget book, additional reforms to Aasandha are set to be introduced next year.
Among these planned changes, patients in the highest income bracket may be required to contribute towards the cost of medicines and outpatient services, either through specific charges or by covering the full cost themselves. Additionally, individuals who pay income tax will be subject to a pre-payment system for Aasandha services, allowing them to contribute towards financing the scheme.
The Finance Ministry also intends to set and harmonise package rates for services provided by private hospitals and medical facilities. These measures are part of a larger effort to streamline healthcare spending and ensure that the benefits of the Aasandha scheme are efficiently allocated.
Minister Zameer reiterated that these reforms are essential to sustaining the health insurance scheme and ensuring that it continues to serve those who rely on it most, while also alleviating pressure on the national budget.
