Assistance cannot be sought outside of regulations via political connections: Heena

National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) and national health insurance offered by the government, Aasandha, cannot be acquired outside established rules through political influences, said NSPA's CEO Heena Waleed.

At the Social Committee of the Parliament, a Parliament Member asked Heena if it is easier to get Aasnadha and NSPA assistance when an MP or senior government official calls. In response, Heena said that both members of the public and MPs call for help in various matters, and that they are all explained the proper procedure to seek the services.

"Whether a citizen calls, an MP or a minister, we will do things according to the same regulations. It is not an illegal use of the scheme," Heena said.

However, Aasandha and NSPA services were previously influenced politically, she said, adding that desks were established in islands during the election periods.

"During the elections, that [people] left their child in the ICU and went to vote because they were told Aasandha would be arranged after they cast their vote. The social justice system was used politically like this a lot," Heena said.

She also said that assistance was previously provided for cosmetic surgeries and body beautifying procedures from placed like Dubai, which are not covered by Aasandha.