It was also recently disclosed that ADK hospital had been struggling due to unsettled finances by NSPA and Aasandha, which totalled MVR 144.3 million.
Corporate Maldives
The Maldives health sector has its share of strengths and weaknesses. While long queues and delays are common issues, there are significant advantages that Maldivians enjoy, primarily due to the national insurance scheme Aasandha and the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA). These schemes ensure that healthcare remains accessible and affordable for the population.
Aasandha is widely recognised, but the NSPA, established under the National Social Health Insurance Act, also plays a crucial role in supporting Maldivians. The NSPA provides various financial assistance programs, including the Medical Welfare Program, Disability Allowance Program, Single Parent Allowance Program, Foster Parent Allowance Program, Food Assistance Program, and the Social Health Insurance Scheme. Since its inception in 2008, the NSPA has significantly improved the accessibility and affordability of healthcare in the Maldives.
The Maldives health sector, despite its many advantages, faces significant financial challenges. Programs like the national insurance scheme Aasandha and the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) are essential for providing accessible and affordable healthcare. However, the high cost of these programs places a substantial burden on the state.
Recently, the NSPA disclosed that it had accumulated MVR 871 million in unpaid dues to various parties by November of the previous year. This information was shared during a meeting of the Parliament's Public Accounts Committee. By the end of the previous administration on November 17, 2023, these outstanding payments were owed to both state and private entities. It was also recently disclosed that ADK hospital had been struggling due to unsettled finances by NSPA and Aasandha, which totalled MVR 144.3 million. With a substantial portion of this amount being unsettled for over 90 days, the delays have now placed a substantial burden on the hospital, threatening its operational stability as well as its ability to provide essential healthcare services.
The rising expenses of NSPA and Aasandha each year have been highly noted, as the budget for the healthcare sector keeps increasing each year. Whether it is due to the increased cost of medication or procedures in the Maldives, the prices have led to a staggering MVR 4 billion being allocated for aid distribution by NSPA.
Members of the Public Accounts Committee have voiced their concerns over Aasandha's refusal to provide the requested information, prompting them to make another formal request.
