Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) Heena Waleed has announced that efforts are underway to establish a new NSPA office in Addu City. During a programme aired on PSM News, Heena revealed that discussions are ongoing with the Addu City Council to launch a pilot project for this new office.
NSPA is the primary administrative body responsible for providing financial assistance and resources for health treatment to individuals in need. The agency is also actively working to compile a register of individuals with special needs to ensure they receive the necessary support. As of April, over 12,900 people have been registered in this special needs registry.
Heena highlighted that a significant number of individuals with disabilities listed in the registry are from Addu City. She emphasised the importance of establishing an office in Addu to provide more efficient and accessible services for these individuals.
In her remarks, Heena also stressed the need to find potential staff and suitable office space for the new location. She shared that the first meeting with the City Council has already taken place to begin making the necessary preparations for the office's development.
Looking ahead, Heena outlined plans to establish additional NSPA offices in other regions where many registered individuals reside. This expansion aims to extend the agency's services and improve support for those in need across the nation.
In addition to these initiatives, NSPA continues to provide financial assistance and therapy to individuals with special needs. The agency has been working diligently to enhance the living standards of these individuals. This year, NSPA has also focused on monitoring the implementation of assistance programmes in Maafushi, Kaafu Atoll, to ensure that support reaches the rightful beneficiaries.