Govt cuts prices of 250 medicines, aim to save MVR 220m
This phased reduction is projected to save Aasandha around MVR 220 million annually.
The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) on Sunday announced a reduction in the prices of 250 essential medicines covered under the Aasandha health insurance scheme, aiming to make healthcare more affordable and accessible.
This phased reduction is projected to save Aasandha around MVR 220 million annually, marking a major effort to ease financial burdens on patients across the Maldives.
NSPA’s announcement outlined a step-by-step implementation plan:
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Starting next month, prices for 87 medicines will be lowered.
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From the 24th of next month, another 126 drugs will see a price reduction.
The agency has confirmed that these changes will be gradual to ensure a smooth transition, with the full list of updated prices becoming accessible on the Aasandha website starting from the 24th.
NSPA assured the public that despite the price adjustments, all current services under the Aasandha scheme will remain unaffected. The reduction in prices is solely aimed at increasing affordability without compromising the quality or availability of healthcare services. As per the announcement, at least one brand of each drug on the approved list will continue to be available at State Trading Organization (STO) pharmacies at no additional cost.
To ensure transparency, NSPA encourages the public to report any discrepancies in medicine dispensing against the new price list. If individuals find that medicines are being sold at prices contrary to those published, they are urged to report such cases through the dedicated ‘Shikavathi’ chatline at 7951400.
