President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih states the enhanced insurance coverage services will extend to new-borns with heart conditions and include assistance and support to the families.
Speaking at the ceremony to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Tiny Hearts of Maldives, President Solih said the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) and Aasandha Company Limited are working to resolve issues identified within the social health insurance scheme, and that the non-governmental organisation would also be consulted in their area of expertise.
Tiny Hearts of Maldives is a non-governmental organisation established in memory of Keyaan, the firstborn son of Ali Muaz and Fathimath Hishmath Faiz, the founders of the association. Keyaan was born with a congenital heart condition, which resulted in his untimely passing at the age of two and a half months.
Emphasising that new-borns with heart conditions are common throughout the globe, the president noted many new-borns have sadly lost their lives to such conditions. President Solih added prior to the establishment of Tiny Hearts of Maldives, many Maldivians were unaware that such heart conditions in new-borns are a result of congenital heart conditions. He added the issue was brought to the attention of the state through awareness efforts by the Tiny Hearts of Maldives.
Furthermore, President Solih highlighted through the efforts of Tiny Hearts of Maldives over the past decade, lives of a resounding number of new-borns have been saved through early diagnosis. He praised the efforts of the founding members of Tiny Hearts of Maldives, Ali Muaz and Fathimath Hishmath Faiz, as a national service.
Noting the remarkable healthy lifestyle programmes conducted by the Tiny Hearts of Maldives, the president assured the administration will work closely with the organisation to further promote healthier lifestyles and wellness programmes conducted by civil society groups for the benefit of the society.
During the ceremony, First Lady Fazna Ahmed launched a research overview of the work carried out by Tiny Hearts of Maldives over the past ten years.