The Aasandha state insurance scheme has initiated a groundbreaking expansion by facilitating patient transfers to the United Arab Emirates and Thailand for medical treatment as of today. Aasandha has established agreements with Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and with World Medical Hospital and Bangkok Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, to deliver their services.
During a media briefing today, Aasandha clarified that initially, only patients needing kidney transplants will be directed to the UAE. This strategic decision stems from the UAE Health Council’s unique allowance for kidney donations from distant relatives who are Maldivian or Muslim, even if they do not qualify as first-degree donors, under specific criteria established by the council.
In Thailand, priority will be given to those who have experienced prolonged treatment for a singular condition without significant progress. The referral system used for sending patients to India and Sri Lanka will apply to these new destinations as well.
Per Aasandha’s policy, patients traveling abroad for medical treatment are entitled to comprehensive coverage that includes treatment costs, round-trip airfare, accommodation, and food expenses, consistent with existing provisions for other countries. Notably, for kidney transplant patients traveling to the UAE, expenses will also cover the donor’s ticket and accommodation.
This expansion follows President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s January announcement advocating for diversified healthcare options under the Aasandha scheme. He emphasized that Aasandha should not be confined to medical facilities in a single country or “just one direction,” but rather extend its reach to high-quality international destinations.
With this initiative, Aasandha has increased its network to 57 foreign hospitals. Until now, patients were primarily referred to eight hospitals in Sri Lanka and 49 in India.
