Aasandha coverage for all mental health treatments from 2026

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced last night that from 2026 onwards, Aasandha coverage will be provided for all mental health treatments.

In last night's ceremony to mark this administration's two year anniversary, the President stated that mental health issues are highly prevalent now, and yet, Aasandha coverage has not been provided for mental health treatment to date. 

However, from January 1, 2026 onwards, Aasandha coverage will be provided for all mental health treatments, he announced. 

"Even to date, cost of mental health treatments have not been fully covered by Aasandha. We are all surprised at that. We will bring an end to this, and from January onwards, all costs of treating mental health issues will be covered by Aasandha," President Muizzu said. 

The government has also previously introduced Aasandha coverage for fertility treatments under certain conditions. 

The President highlighted in his speech last night that the highest priority next year would be on health services. He pointed out that this is reflected in the proposed budget for next year as well. 

Over the next six months, CT scan services will be made available in 15 islands, the President said. MRI services will also be made available in tertiary hospitals which presently does not provide the service. 

The President further announced that health centres in islands will be developed relative to the island, allowing for laboratory tests to be conducted in-island, taking away the need to travel outside for such tests. Sufficient staff to provide these services will also be hired, he said. 

He also revealed that agreements are in the process of being signed to bring in the first 10 sea ambulances to replace the sea ambulance fleet.