Finance Minister Announces Reforms to Aasandha Health Insurance Scheme

Dr. Shafeeq highlighted the need to revise current laws and regulations, which he said unfairly benefit affluent citizens over those with lower incomes. He pointed out that while the existing laws offer equal opportunities for all, they inadvertently create advantages for wealthier citizens, exacerbating inequality.

The minister emphasized that reforms to the Aasandha scheme are necessary to target assistance more effectively and reduce wastage. The government's expenditure on the Aasandha scheme has risen significantly, with a 60% increase over the past five years. Last year, spending on the scheme was 40% higher than in 2018.

According to statistics, a significant portion of this year’s MVR 1.9 billion budget for Aasandha has already been expended. In light of this, the Aasandha Company has previously stated its intention to revise policies to prioritize private insurance options.