Govt projects MVR 500 million savings from Aasandha reform
The 2025 budget includes a proposal to introduce a health contribution for Aasandha from high-income earners or those subject to income tax.
Finance minister Moosa Zameer announced in parliament on Monday that the recent changes to Aasandha services for privately insured individuals could result in savings of approximately MVR 500 million.
Effective from November 1, patients seeking services from healthcare providers under the Aasandha scheme are required to first utilise their private insurance coverage. Aasandha will cover costs only after the private insurance benefits have been exhausted.
"Some confusion seems to exist regarding these changes. With bulk procurement, enhanced monitoring, and planned reforms, we have statistics indicating that we can save close to MVR 500 million,” Zameer explained.
He also clarified concerns raised about the pension scheme. Zameer emphasised that no changes have been made to the existing pension scheme, and services remain unaffected. However, the budget for 2025 includes provisions for potential adjustments to streamline dual pension schemes in the future.
The reforms to the Aasandha system will be implemented in phases and are designed to differentiate inpatient and outpatient services. Key features of the revised system include:
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Patients with private insurance receiving outpatient services at government or private healthcare facilities will need to first bill their private insurance.
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Aasandha will continue to cover those without private insurance or those whose insurance packages have been fully utilised.
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Inpatient services will remain unaffected by the changes.
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Police and military personnel will transition to private insurance schemes.
Additionally, the 2025 budget includes a proposal to introduce a health contribution for Aasandha from high-income earners or those subject to income tax. This measure aims to enhance funding for the program while ensuring its sustainability.
The government maintains that these changes are intended to make the Aasandha scheme more efficient and financially sustainable while preserving its accessibility for the public.
