PNC MPs call for restricting Aasandha for smokers

Several members from the ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) on Tuesday voiced strong opinions regarding the allocation of Aasandha—Maldives' universal health insurance programme—to individuals suffering from tobacco-related illnesses.

The debate on Tuesday unfolded during discussions on a government proposal to increase import duties on tobacco products, highlighting the strain tobacco-related illnesses place on the nation's health system.

Villimale MP Mohamed Ismail took a firm stance, suggesting that Aasandha coverage should be denied to individuals whose serious illnesses are directly linked to tobacco consumption. His proposal aimed to curb the burden on the country's health insurance system, which he claims is overwhelmed by the costs associated with treating tobacco-related diseases.

“I call for the actions of these people who have serious illnesses due to using cigarettes to stop getting Aasandha, and with this bill, it has to come to an end,” said Mohamed Ismail.

Kudahuvadhoo MP Hussain Hameed echoed Ismail's sentiments, expressing concerns over the financial strain smoking-related diseases place on the health system. He proposed either denying Aasandha coverage to smokers or reducing their benefits, reflecting a growing awareness of the need for sustainable healthcare management.

“I want to emphasise that our health insurance system is becoming more and more overwhelmed,” said Hameed. “Shouldn’t we think about these things, especially giving Aasandha to smokers or deducting a certain percentage of Aasandha.”

Hameed also suggested creating a register of smokers, which he argued would make it easier to track and regulate tobacco sales, ultimately helping to control the spread of tobacco consumption.

Feydhoo MP Ibrahim Didi highlighted the financial toll of treating tobacco-related illnesses. According to Didi, the treatment of these diseases costs the country MVR 974 million per month—a figure that vastly exceeds the revenue generated from tobacco taxes.

"Aasandha is used to treat the harm caused by tobacco, but two-thirds of what Aasandha spends on medicine does not come back in taxes," said Ibrahim Didi.

Amid the discussion on healthcare costs, the government has proposed amendments to the Import Export Act, aimed at discouraging tobacco consumption by increasing duties on tobacco products. The proposed changes include:

The proposed increase in duties is scheduled to take effect on the 15th of next month.