Aasandha says working on resolving medicine unavailability

Aasandha Company on Tuesday announced efforts to address reported difficulties in accessing medicines through the Aasandha national health insurance scheme.

Complaints have surfaced regarding challenges faced by individuals, particularly those undergoing treatment for major and chronic illnesses, in obtaining medications covered under the scheme.

In response, Aasandha has introduced a special hotline to report issues related to accessing medicines. Posters have been placed on the company’s social media accounts and in pharmacies dispensing medications under the scheme. Individuals are encouraged to report instances where they are required to pay out-of-pocket for medicines or when medicines are unavailable.

Managing Director of Aasandha, Aminath Zeeniya, stated that no medications have been officially excluded from the scheme.

“The prices of approximately 250 expensive drugs have been revised based on the invoices submitted by patients,” she said.

Zeeniya acknowledged reports of some pharmacies declining to issue medicines under the Aasandha scheme. She stated, “We will place posters in every pharmacy to collect complaints, and these complaints will be investigated as they are received.”

Previously, some pharmacies had stopped issuing medicines under the scheme, citing financial challenges. In such instances, patients were required to pay for medications themselves. Additionally, some pharmacies reportedly dispense medicines at self-pay rates after covering the prices fixed by Aasandha.

Zeeniya clarified that the scheme sources medicines at reduced prices through bulk procurement. While the price difference for certain brands may apply, medications are available at STO pharmacies without requiring additional payment from patients.

Aasandha is collaborating with STO to ensure that medicines remain available at pharmacies across the Maldives.