Aasandha has revealed that the free medical checkups will initially commence for citizens aged 50 years and above, exclusively from state-run hospitals.
During the press conference held by Aasandha Private Limited, in line with fulfilling President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's pledge, the company's Managing Director, Aminath Zeeniya, said that the checkups have been designed with the feedback and advice of relevant doctors. The assessments consider the most frequently consulted medical issues, which include pulmonary, kidney, and cardiac-related diseases, along with diabetes.
Zeeniya further confirmed that necessary package revisions would be made afterward.
The checkups will commence on an age-category basis, with the initial checkups designated solely for individuals above the age of 50.
Aasandha will next commence the checkups for people between 35 to 49 years, after which the service will be launched for students below the age of 19, effective from April 1, 2024.
Screening programs are already provided for students in this age group; however, the state will be revising the program prior to the service launch in April.
The government plans to launch the checkups for youths between the ages of 19 to 34 from July 2024 onward.
Zeeniya said that the state prioritized elderly citizens since they report diseases more frequently than younger age groups. Additionally, the checkups are aimed at identifying healthier segments within the elderly age group.
The medical checkups include blood, urine, and fecal-related testing.
The process would require medical reports followed up with appropriate consultation to complete the full checkup. Patients undergoing their initial checkup can seek the second one after six months from the initial checkup date, provided that it is recommended by a doctor.
The checkup packages have been distributed according to age groups and gender as well.
Government health centers, clinics, and hospitals are currently applicable in providing the free medical checkup through Aasandha.
Dharumavantha Hospital CEO, Ibrahim Haleem, addressing the expected delays due to the exclusivity given to government medical institutions, mentioned that patients are required to contact 7226614 to book appointments. Once appointments are scheduled, patients will be notified, and the hospitals or medical institutions will provide guidance to the patients on preparing for the tests.
Upon appointment confirmation, patients will receive token numbers that they have to submit to prepare a hospital or medical institution memo for consultation or checkup. The medical reports post the checkup would be completed within four hours, and if the checkup reveals the presence of a chronic or severe ailment, the patient would be recommended to seek specialist help.
From Greater Malé region, medical checkups are applicable from IGMH, Vilimalé Hospital, and GP Clinic run by Hulhumalé Hospital, which is located on Hiyaa Tower H16, ground floor. Although the service is available at Hulhumalé Hospital, Haleem cautioned of possible delays from the institution.
Haleem further revealed that Wednesdays have been designated for appointments, with health checkups scheduled on Sundays and Thursdays, and consultations scheduled on Tuesdays and Saturdays every week. He added that the schedule would be revised depending on demand.
CEO of NSPA, Heena Waleed, stated that the Ministry of Health has already assured that the tests under medical checkups would be accessible from state-run hospitals or medical institutions. In case a medical center is unable to conduct tests, the samples would be sent to the nearest medical facility capable of performing them.
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