In a significant move to enhance healthcare accessibility for Maldivians, the Aasandha scheme has officially opened up medical treatment options in Thailand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), fulfilling a key pledge by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The announcement follows President Muizzu’s earlier statement during a press conference after his first official state visit to China, where he revealed that efforts were underway to expand Aasandha’s coverage beyond its current limitations. The President emphasized the need to end the restriction of Aasandha services to medical facilities in a single country and to provide access to higher-quality healthcare in countries like the UAE and Thailand.

Agreements Signed with Hospitals in UAE and Thailand

To facilitate this expansion, agreements were signed in December 2023 with one hospital in the UAE and four hospitals in Thailand. These partnerships will allow Maldivians to receive medical treatment under the Aasandha scheme in these countries, with services officially commencing today.

In a statement released today, Aasandha clarified that patients can access these services through the existing system used for overseas medical referrals. Requests for treatment in Thailand or the UAE can be made via the Aasandha mobile app or the My Aasandha portal, streamlining the process for patients.

Priority for Kidney Transplant Patients

A key focus of this expansion is to assist patients in need of kidney transplants who are unable to find a "first-degree donor" or a family member willing to donate a kidney. Aasandha highlighted that the laws and regulations in the empaneled countries require kidney donors to be first-degree relatives, creating challenges for some patients. With the inclusion of Thailand and the UAE in the Aasandha scheme, these patients will now have a viable pathway to receive life-saving transplants.

Opportunity for Patients with Unresolved Medical Conditions

Additionally, the new service will benefit patients who have undergone multiple treatments in the Maldives, India, or Sri Lanka but have not seen significant improvement in their condition. These individuals will now have the opportunity to seek advanced medical care in Thailand or the UAE, offering hope for better health outcomes.

A Major Milestone for Aasandha

This expansion marks a major milestone in the Aasandha scheme’s efforts to provide comprehensive and high-quality healthcare options for Maldivians. By broadening its reach to include world-class medical facilities in the UAE and Thailand, the government aims to ensure that citizens have access to the best possible treatment, both regionally and internationally.

President Muizzu’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility continues to take shape with this initiative, reflecting his administration’s dedication to addressing the needs of Maldivians and enhancing the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.