The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has introduced new guidelines for the Aasandha Scheme, which now includes offering free medical checkups for Maldivians.
According to the updated guidelines, medical checkup services will be provided based on specific age groups outlined by Aasandha Company Limited, and individuals can avail of these services once every year. If needed, a second checkup within the same year is possible with a doctor’s recommendation.
The medical checkup is considered complete once the patient receives all the services outlined in the package. These services will be offered through government hospitals and health centers, with the results shared with Aasandha following a specific policy.
In terms of transferring patients abroad for treatment, Aasandha will cover the cost after the application process. If the change in transfer cost is under 10%, there will be no additional cost. However, if the change exceeds 10%, the additional cost must be covered by the patient. In such cases, Aasandha will inform the patient about estimated costs to obtain their consent.
If a patient changes hospitals during treatment, and examinations need to be repeated, the patient will cover these costs. Travel expenses will be covered by Aasandha if the new hospital is in the same city, but if it’s in a different city, the patient is responsible for travel expenses.
Requests for treatment abroad should be for foreign hospitals accepting Aasandha insurance, with details of graded foreign hospitals published by Aasandha.
Moreover, women’s health issues like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) will be covered under Aasandha for any diagnosis, and treatment will be provided for free at registered centers.
