Aasandha Hints at Co-Payments to Ensure Sustainability of National Health Insurance

Aasandha, the national health insurance system of Maldives, may introduce a co-payment model to ensure sustainability, according to Managing Director Fathimath Zeeniya. During a parliamentary inquiry, Maafannu Central MP Ibrahim Rasheed questioned the scheme's economic feasibility. Zeeniya noted the organization lacks authority to alter the scheme independently, as it operates under the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA). She voiced support for co-payments or annual fees. Rising costs are driven by unregulated access at pharmacies and private healthcare; 56% of expenses are medication. Proposed measures include grading hospitals, limiting foreign treatment costs, code-based medication withdrawals, bulk procurement, and reducing pharmacy participation. The challenge is balancing universal access and financial viability.

Aasandha, the national health insurance system of Maldives, may introduce a co-payment model to ensure sustainability, according to Managing Director Fathimath Zeeniya. During a parliamentary inquiry, Maafannu Central MP Ibrahim Rasheed questioned the scheme's economic feasibility. Zeeniya noted the organization lacks authority to alter the scheme independently, as it operates under the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA). She voiced support for co-payments or annual fees. Rising costs are driven by unregulated access at pharmacies and private healthcare; 56% of expenses are medication. Proposed measures include grading hospitals, limiting foreign treatment costs, code-based medication withdrawals, bulk procurement, and reducing pharmacy participation. The challenge is balancing universal access and financial viability.

Aasandha, the national health insurance system of Maldives, may introduce a co-payment model to ensure sustainability, according to Managing Director Fathimath Zeeniya. During a parliamentary inquiry, Maafannu Central MP Ibrahim Rasheed questioned the scheme's economic feasibility. Zeeniya noted the organization lacks authority to alter the scheme independently, as it operates under the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA). She voiced support for co-payments or annual fees. Rising costs are driven by unregulated access at pharmacies and private healthcare; 56% of expenses are medication. Proposed measures include grading hospitals, limiting foreign treatment costs, code-based medication withdrawals, bulk procurement, and reducing pharmacy participation. The challenge is balancing universal access and financial viability.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of aasandha / co-payment.