Parliament, on Tuesday, has rejected the bill proposing a major amendment to the Pension Act aimed at providing pension payments for individuals undergoing treatment for serious illnesses, including cancer.
The bill submitted by Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) was rejected with the votes of 52 out of 57 lawmakers in attendance. Five members voted in favor of accepting the bill, which were Kudoo and some MDP lawmakers in attendance during the voting.
Kudoo, in a letter to Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, highlighted the absence of clear provisions within the current Pension Act for those suffering from severe health conditions.
He said there was no mechanism for early access to pensions based on medical prognosis, and this vacuum has forced people suffering from such diseases and their families to bear heavy financial and psychological burden.
To rectify this, MP Kudu has proposed an amendment that would mandate the Pension Office to establish a team of specialist doctors. This team would be responsible for confirming serious illnesses and issuing medical certificates, enabling individuals to receive their pensions as swiftly as possible, irrespective of their age or years of service.
Furthermore, the proposed amendment would compel the state to prioritize these individuals, ensuring that pensioners receive their payments within 30 days of application.
The bill had not received much support during the preliminary debate stage, with Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa particularly critical of it. In this regard, Ghafoor underscored the need to reform NSPA and Aasandha  to ensure easier access for treatment of serious illnesses.
Most PNC lawmakers who debated on the bill suggested it was submitted will political intentions.