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National healthcare scheme Aasandha exceeds budget by 118 percent

Mariyam Malsa
02 January 2019, MVT 16:59
Radiology department at Hulhumale' Hospital PHOTO: NISHAN ALI/ MIHAARU
Mariyam Malsa
02 January 2019, MVT 16:59

Ministry of Finance revealed that state expenditure on Aasandha, the public healthcare scheme, exceeded the budgeted amount by a staggering 118 percent.

According to the Ministry's Weekly Fiscal Developments, MVR 1.4 billion was spent on Aasandha till December 29, 2018, despite the fact that only MVR 750 million was allocated in the 2018 State Budget for this purpose.

State expenditure on Aasandha stood at MVR 1.3 billion at the end of the first week of December, revealing that MVR 121 million had been spent in a one-month duration.

The state healthcare scheme was introduced in 2012 during the presidency of Mohamed Nasheed. In 2014, Aasandha coverage was expanded to unlimited coverage by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Proportionately, expenditure on pharmaceuticals incurred the highest cost and continues to increase annually. Although the use of generic drugs have fallen, overall prices have increased. Pharmaceuticals in Maldives were reported to be 15-75 percent more expensive compared to prices abroad.

The Ministry had previously suggested implementing a co-payment system to rationalize the state healthcare system. Additionally, Ministry of Finance suggested limiting the number of services provided under Aasandha and introducing a premium contribution.

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