Concerns raised over eyewear services at IGMH
During the discussion, concerns were expressed over the outsourcing of eyewear services at the country’s main government hospital.
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A businessman in the optical sector has said that Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has begun selling optical glasses in collaboration with a Sri Lankan company, raising concerns among local traders.
The issue was raised during a meeting between President Mohamed Muizzu and business representatives on Wednesday. During the discussion, concerns were expressed over the outsourcing of eyewear services at the country’s main government hospital.
The businessman, Naseem, said that while a large number of people currently obtain eyeglasses through IGMH under the Aasandha scheme, outsourcing the service to a foreign company would result in foreign currency leaving the Maldives.
“A lot of people are making glasses at IGMH now. It is concerning that all the money goes overseas,” Naseem said.
He said the government should support local production of eyeglasses, noting that Aasandha previously paid MVR 1,000 per pair of glasses. He said patients now pay higher amounts to access the service and that private opticians are capable of providing eyewear without additional state investment.
Naseem also said local eyewear businesses were not consulted before the service was introduced at IGMH.
“When space was given to foreign parties at IGMH, there were Maldivian businesses that were already capable of providing this service,” he said.
In response, President Muizzu said the matter would be reviewed. He also said the government would look into revising the requirement that eyeglasses can only be made based on hospital-issued prescriptions.
The Male City Group of Hospitals’ optical outlet, MCGH Opticals, was opened in July to provide eyeglasses as part of government health services. The service currently operates at IGMH and Hulhumalé Hospital.
