President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that plans are underway to reform the Aasandha healthcare system. Under the current framework, pharmacies sell Government-subsidised medicines at varying prices, resulting in unfair profits for certain groups. The President pledged to end this practice, vowing that every Rufiyaa spent through Aasandha will directly benefit the wellbeing of Maldivian citizens.
The President made these remarks during his Presidential Address at the first sitting of the first session of the People's Majlis for 2025.
In his address, the President reaffirmed that public health remains a cornerstone of nation-building, highlighting the importance of establishing a reliable healthcare system for those in need of medical attention. He outlined various initiatives the Government is undertaking to strengthen the Aasandha system, which is deeply connected to public healthcare. The President stressed that Aasandha is designed to ensure healthcare access for all Maldivian citizens and must be maintained to uphold justice and fairness for all.
He revealed that the Government has identified cases of individuals exploiting the Aasandha system for undue benefits. Consequently, significant measures were introduced last year to strengthen the system. Firstly, through bulk procurement, higher-quality medicines are now being imported, and price controls have been established for 250 medicines to curb long-standing unfair trade practices and systematic waste. While these changes initially caused some difficulties for the public due to resistance from certain parties, the President affirmed that the Government remained steadfast, implementing robust measures that will be further reinforced this year.
The President assured that the Government would ensure no citizen faces financial hardship in obtaining medicines through Aasandha, emphasising that the Administration will always prioritise the most beneficial and equitable approach for the people.
He announced plans to expand the availability of medicines through STO pharmacies and introduce key services this year to ensure that every citizen, regardless of location, can access quality medicines without additional expenses or travel. The President pledged to ensure that every pharmacy displaying the Aasandha service sign truly serves the public's wellbeing.
Addressing his Presidential pledge regarding thalassaemia patients, the President highlighted efforts to enhance current services and facilitate free bone marrow transplants. The initiatives include ensuring nationwide availability of medicines and medical consumables for thalassaemia treatment, making arrangements for at least 10 children annually to receive bone marrow transplants, and implementing the Thalassaemia Prevention, Control, and Management Master Plan, launched on October 15, 2024. He also shared the good news that preparations for constructing a state-of-the-art thalassaemia hospital with an accommodation block in Hulhumalé will commence this year.
Additionally, regarding mental health initiatives, the President proudly noted the launch of the 24-hour National Mental Health Helpline (1677) in March 2024. He also mentioned ongoing preparations for the construction of a Mental Health Hospital in Laamu Gan, as well as facilities at Gaafu Dhaalu Gadhdhoo Hospital and Thaa Vilufushi Hospital through Indian concessional financing, with work set to begin this year.
