Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer has stated the Government of the Maldives aims to reduce state medical expenses next year.
Presenting the State Budget 2022 to the Parliament of the Maldives, Finance Minister Ameer said the government will continue to provide assistance to the Maldivians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes allocating USD 200 million for social security for next year.
The government has allocated USD 47 million for the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha, and USD 18 million to assist people with special needs. Minister Ameer said the government is focused on providing better health care services through the national health insurance scheme. He said Aasandha provides better health care to citizens as well as alleviates their financial burden.
The finance minister said the government has noted that some of the funds provided to the national health insurance scheme are being wasted. He added the government will also be focused on eliminating waste in order to reduce state expenses and the financial burden of citizens. He also said the government is committed to continuing to provide social security to citizens.