Meranaa services extended for Maldivians living in Philippines

Meranaa Scheme will begin covering a significant portion of medical expenses for Maldivians living in the Philippines from today.

The expansion of the programme, run by the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA), was inaugurated at a ceremony held yesterday by the minister of social and family protection, Dr Aishath Shiham.

The Meranaa scheme currently provides medical support to Maldivians residing in Sri Lanka, Malaysia and India. With the latest expansion, Maldivians in the Philippines will be eligible for coverage of up to 65 percent of their medical expenses through the government’s Aasandha health insurance scheme.

Officials noted that the Philippines hosts a large number of Maldivian students, particularly those enrolled in pilot training and medical courses.

At the ceremony, it was also announced that all costs related to the treatment of mental health conditions will now be covered under Aasandha, and that thalassemia patients will receive a monthly allowance of MVR 2,000 from today.