National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has publicized the final list of couples, who are eligible for state-funded In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment are eligible under the Aasandha scheme, after omitting the names of two couples from the provisional list.
NSPA opened applications for public health insurance coverage, Aasandha, for 50 couples unable to afford IVF treatment independently on November 20, with the deadline set for December 20.
Only 39 out of the 135 couples who applied were deemed eligible in the provisional list of couples eligible for state-funded IVF treatment publicized on January 21. The list was opened for complaints back then.
On Monday, NSPA has publicized the finalized list which excluded the names of two couples after reviewing complaints.
The Agency added that funding has been allocated for the 37 couples of the finalized lists, adding they will be informed regarding their treatment plan before February 11.
Aasandha was expanded to cover IVF in 2024. 100 couples were selected to undergo IVF among the first batch of applicants. Of them, 93 couples underwent IVF, 23 of whom successfully conceived. A total of MVR 30 million was allocated for their treatment.
Introducing Aasandha coverage for IVF and IUI treatments was one of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s electoral pledges – and one which he had promised to deliver within the first 14 weeks in office.
The fertility treatments are currently available in the Maldives at Tree Top Hospital, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital and Dharumavantha Hospital.