The government has decided to discontinue the medical welfare scheme granted to Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Maldives Police Service officers, and to replace it with private insurance.
The government has decided to discontinue the medical welfare scheme granted to Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Maldives Police Service officers, and to replace it with private insurance.
Budget details released by the Ministry of Finance indicate that the current medical welfare scheme results in high amounts being spent on medical coverage for MNDF, Police, and their families. Last year alone, MVR 322 million was spent through the scheme.
Coverage through the scheme is not capped, and also covers certain cosmetic procedures and consumables.
Finance Ministry said that a decision has been made to offer private insurance to MNDF and Police officers' families, and in doing so, control the expenditure that has to be made by the State. They said that once the private insurance coverage limit is reached, Aasandha coverage will be available.
The change is due to be implemented at the start of next year.
The audit report also shows that spending on MNDF and Police medical welfare scheme was 35 percent over the determined budget last year. The audit office said that the budget included an allocation of MVR 179 million for additional insurance, but the actual figures reached MVR 241 million by year end.
In 2019, MVR 148 million was spent on coverage for MNDF and Police officers, and their families. Within the past five years, spending on this scheme has increased by approximately 40 percent.
Sign In