Aasandha CEO Aminath Zeeniya has raised concerns about the high prices charged by major private hospitals, revealing that discussions are ongoing to reduce the costs of services. Speaking before the Parliament Committee on Social Affairs, Zeeniya explained that Aasandha is negotiating with private hospitals in the Maldives to make healthcare more affordable for citizens.
Zeeniya pointed out that pricing at these hospitals is often significantly higher than abroad, with charges applied to every service from the moment a patient enters the facility. She highlighted that this practice has resulted in costs that are sometimes greater than those for similar treatments overseas.
Additionally, Zeeniya shared that Aasandha has expanded its coverage to include services such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and thalassemia treatment, which were previously excluded. She noted that the organisation is working closely with hospitals to package these services and improve accessibility for patients.
Broader Issues in the Aasandha System
Heena Waleedh, CEO of the National Social Protection Agency, also addressed the committee, shedding light on longstanding issues within the Aasandha system. She stated that successive governments had witnessed rising expenditures on Aasandha without implementing adequate reforms. She added that the system had been misused for political purposes in the past, further complicating its operations.
Heena also expressed concern over the high cost of medicines, highlighting that prices in the Maldives are reportedly 15 times higher than in other countries, particularly in Dhaka. She criticised pharmacies for selling medicines at exorbitant prices, exacerbating financial strain on patients.
On the issue of unpaid bills, Heena acknowledged that arrears under the Aasandha scheme remain a challenge, including those incurred during the current administration. However, she assured that the Ministry of Finance is working to settle these outstanding payments as quickly as possible.
Allegations of Corruption
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ahmed Nazim also weighed in on the Aasandha system, alleging that corruption remains a significant issue. He referenced a recent case in which Aasandha was billed MVR 24,000 per injection for a treatment, despite the actual cost being significantly lower—reportedly under MVR 5,000. He claimed that over 1,000 such injections were purchased, costing the government MVR 24 million.
Nazim criticised the frequent changes in hospital equipment brands with each change of administration, suggesting that these practices contribute to inefficiencies and financial losses. He further alleged that intermediaries involved in agreements between Aasandha and foreign hospitals inflate costs, urging the government to discontinue such contracts if undue profits are being made.
Committee Calls for Action
The Parliament Committee on Social Affairs has called on Aasandha officials to address these issues and ensure that the health insurance system better serves the needs of the public. Members emphasised the importance of reducing costs, improving transparency, and addressing allegations of mismanagement to build a more sustainable and equitable healthcare system.
