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India permits entry for Maldivians seeking critical medical care

Mariyam Malsa
08 July 2020, MVT 22:23
Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and Ambassador of India to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir. PHOTO: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Mariyam Malsa
08 July 2020, MVT 22:23

The Indian government granted approval for Maldivian citizens to travel to India for critical medical care not covered under Maldives' national health insurance provider Aasandha.

The arrangement, introduced for individuals in need of critical care which is unavailable in Maldives, was finalised following discussions between Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and Ambassador of India to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir.

Individuals that wish to travel to India for urgent medical purposes can submit an application to the consular department of the foreign ministry.

Applicants that receive approval after the Indian authorities complete a review of their information, must collect medical visas from the Indian High Commission located in the capital city of Male'.

The responsibility of arranging and covering the cost of accommodation, quarantine and medical care will be borne by patients and their families.

For further information, applicants can call +960 7983400.

Critical patients were permitted to travel to India despite the neighbouring country's ongoing border closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The foreign minister expressed gratitude to the Indian government for the "special arrangement" made for Maldives.

On Wednesday, India approved to grant permission for 68 critical Maldivian patients to travel to India under the Aasandha scheme.

Earlier on June 23, the Indian government similarly facilitated travel for 37 Maldivian patients to travel to India for advanced medical treatment.

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