President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has officially inaugurated MCGH Opticals, established under the Malé City Group of Hospitals to provide opticianry services as part of the Government’s healthcare initiative.
The inauguration ceremony was held on Sunday at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH after which the President toured the facility and personally handed over glasses to the first three customers to receive services.
The establishment of MCGH Opticals follows the President’s announcement on 31 May regarding new measures to improve access to high-quality eyewear for the public in a convenient and cost-effective manner. As part of this initiative, the amount allocated under the universal health insurance, Aasandha scheme for prescription glasses was increased to USD 130.
Established and operational within just two months, MCGH Opticals provides a variety of services, including eye prescription assessments, diagnosis of specific eye conditions, and dispensing prescription glasses.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem, Chief Executive Officer of the Malé City Group of Hospitals, announced plans to expand similar services in August to Hulhumalé and five regional hospitals across the Maldives in the near future.
The government spent over USD 2.33 million under the Aasandha healthcare scheme to provide prescription glasses to more than 36,000 individuals in 2024.
Although having to wear glasses is often a result of vision changes linked to health conditions, the financial support provided for spectacles under the Maldives’ healthcare system was previously limited. Until June 1 this year, the government allocated only USD 64.85 every two years towards the cost of prescription glasses. However, the market prices for even the most basic pairs are over USD 162.
In addition to ophthalmology consultations and the cost to purchase a good-quality frame and lens, individuals typically spend between USD 227 and USD 260 on their spectacles. Those with higher lens prescriptions often need to spend more to have their lenses made abroad.
Many people have raised concerns about the financial burden placed on individuals with visual impairments, while glasses are essential for their every-day functioning.