The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) spent MVR 7.6 million in November to cover inpatient treatment costs at ADK Hospital and Tree Top Hospital for patients who could not afford private care.  
According to NSPA data published on Monday, 444 inpatient cases were supported at private hospitals last month. The highest expenditure was at Tree Top Hospital, where 278 cases cost MVR 4.5 million.  
At ADK Hospital, NSPA assisted 166 cases, spending over MVR 3 million.  
Breakdown of treatments:
Tree Top Hospital
   Orthopedic treatments: MVR 1.1 million  
   Pediatric treatments: MVR 871,407  
   Maternity cases: MVR 820,686 for 60 patients  
ADK Hospital
   Maternity treatments: Over MVR 200,000 for 25 patients  
   Neurological treatments: Over MVR 700,000  
NSPA noted that additional diseases were also covered under the scheme last month.
ADK Hospital. (Sun Photo/Fayaz Moosa)
Although Aasandha fully covers treatment at government hospitals, many patients opt for private hospitals like ADK and Tree Top due to:
 Specialized services: Private hospitals often offer advanced diagnostics, specialist consultations, and surgical procedures not readily available at public facilities.
 Shorter wait times: Government hospitals face high patient volumes, leading to delays in admission and treatment.
 Better facilities: Private hospitals are perceived to have cleaner environments, more privacy, and modern equipment.
 Continuity of care: Some patients prefer to stay with private doctors they’ve consulted previously, especially for chronic or complex conditions.
NSPA steps in to assist patients who cannot afford private care but require urgent or specialized treatment that may not be accessible or timely at public hospitals.