President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that from October onwards, full Aasandha coverage will not be extended to those earning over MVR 60,000 in monthly salary. 

At the ongoing press conference at the President's Office, President Muizzu said that at present, Aasandha coverage is provided on the same scale to everyone, with no distinction between those who earn little and much. He stated that he does not believe this is the most appropriate approach to take. 

In light of this, from October onwards, Aasandha coverage will be provided to those earning over MVR 60,000 monthly on a co-pay or pre-pay basis, where they have to pay an annual fee to the government, he said. 

With this change, MVR 287 million can be save from the State budget annually, the President stated, adding the funds can then be used for other pressing needs. 

"The rich, those who pay income tax, they do not necessarily need to receive all these services for free like the general public does. So we are bringing this change effective next month," the President announced. 

Detailed policies surrounding this change will be announced in the coming days, President Muizzu said. 

The government has taken other steps previously as well to minimize Aasandha spending from the State budget, as Aasandha costs have repeatedly exceeded budgeted amounts in recent years.