The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has announced a significant reduction in the prices of 250 essential medicines covered under the Aasandha public health insurance scheme, aiming to curb the rising costs of medicines and advance reforms in healthcare provision. The price cuts are set to be implemented in stages, with the first reduction for 87 medicines taking effect on 1 November, followed by a further reduction for an additional 126 medicines on 24 November.
Heena Waleed, Managing Director of NSPA, highlighted that the price adjustments are expected to yield annual savings of approximately MVR 220 million for Aasandha. She noted that the decision to adjust medicine prices aligns with long-standing plans across successive administrations, though previous attempts had not come to fruition.
“These adjustments are designed to minimise the considerable wastage in medicine distribution, in line with ongoing reforms. The bulk procurement policy, as announced previously, will remain in effect,” Heena explained. Importantly, medicines covered under the Aasandha scheme will continue to be available to the public at no cost from designated pharmacies.
NSPA also announced that updated price lists for the affected medicines would be accessible on the Aasandha website in accordance with the phased implementation dates. Additionally, the agency is encouraging members of the public to report any discrepancies in medicine pricing through the ‘Shikavathi’ chatline at 7951400.
This initiative marks a proactive approach by NSPA to make healthcare more affordable for the Maldivian public, reflecting a broader commitment to streamlining the Aasandha scheme and enhancing the efficiency of public health spending.
