Aasandha Company Limited, the national health insurance provider, has assured that it will continue to cover medications previously included in the universal health insurance scheme.
The assurance follows public concerns over the lack of coverage for certain medicines that were previously insured.
Aasandha in a statement, reassured the public that all medicines previously covered will remain insured. The company also stated that a list of covered medications can be accessed on its website.
The company also insisted that there will be no extra charges for medicines imported to the Maldives through bulk procurement this year.
Aasandha further clarified that any medicines not covered by the insurance scheme will be clearly marked as “not covered” on the medical prescription. It urged the public to report pharmacies charging for prescription medicine that is covered under the insurance scheme.
Significant reforms are being introduced to the universal health insurance scheme to improve services and ensure sustainability.
As part of these reform efforts, price adjustments have been made for 250 high-cost medicines. The government is also taking measures to reduce wastages within the system.
Aasandha's annual expenditure amounts to approximately USD194.6 million, with the majority of costs associated with purchasing medications.
To address this, efforts are underway to import high quality medicine through bulk procurement.