President Dr Mohamed Muizzu affirmed the administration’s steadfast commitment to ensuring both the accessibility and equity of medication distribution under the national healthcare insurance scheme, Aasandha. This statement was made during his presidential address at the opening session of parliament for 2025.
In his address, President Dr Muizzu asserted the administration's intention to implement further reforms this year to bolster the Aasandha scheme. He noted recent revelations that certain parties have been exploiting the scheme for unjust gains and vowed to take decisive action to eradicate these malpractices.
Characterising the Aasandha system as a fundamental pillar of the nation's healthcare sector, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the importance of delivering healthcare services with justice and integrity. He also lauded the administration's success in curbing excessive expenditure within the Aasandha scheme.
The administration's strategic initiatives include the commencement of bulk procurement processes for medicines and pharmaceutical supplies, which President Dr Muizzu spotlighted in his address. He further noted efforts to regulate the retail prices of 250 different types of medicines, aiming to prevent private entities from profiting through inflated prices.
Despite attempts by certain private entities to hinder access to medication following these reforms, President Dr Muizzu reaffirmed the administration's unwavering commitment to reforming the Aasandha scheme. He pledged to fortify these measures this year to ensure that citizens encounter no difficulties in obtaining medication through Aasandha.
The President further committed to enforcing uniform pricing across all pharmacies participating in the Aasandha scheme. He affirmed the administration's dedication to addressing the challenges faced by individuals in acquiring medication in Malé City and the outer islands without incurring additional costs, while ensuring the quality of the medication provided.
President Dr Muizzu also reiterated the administration's determination to persist in implementing these measures throughout the year, highlighting their critical role in safeguarding the nation's healthcare system.