Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) Heena Waleed has said that the ongoing reforms at Aasandha Company Limited and NSPA aim to transform the system into a comprehensive service provider for individuals in need. She made the remarks during a meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs.
Speaking at the committee meeting, which included discussions with representatives from NSPA and Aasandha, CEO Heena outlined the efforts being made to enhance and strengthen the service systems of both entities. In response to an inquiry by a committee member, she said that Aasandha would prioritise private insurance starting from October 1. She also said that the objective behind this change is to ensure that the Aasandha better serves those most in need.
Additionally, Heena highlighted specific policy changes set to take effect from October. She said that individuals with other insurance plans will be required to first clear their bills through their primary insurance before using Aasandha and NSPA for the remaining balance. She also said that efforts are underway to revise both welfare and Aasandha policies, with drafts expected to be submitted to the Cabinet in the future.
Furthermore, Heena noted the cost of services at private hospitals in the Maldives is excessively high. She said that NSPA bears a significant financial burden, given that major surgeries are not conducted in government hospitals. She also emphasised that this burden could be alleviated if such facilities were made available in government hospitals.