NSPA provides MVR 1 million for endometriosis treatment in 2025

The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has allocated MVR 1 million for the treatment of 14 individuals with endometriosis during the first half of 2025, according to the agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Heena Waleed.

Speaking at a session of Parliament’s Social Affairs Committee on Wednesday, Heena responded to concerns raised by members regarding the adequacy of state support for endometriosis treatment. She acknowledged that access to treatment for the condition remains a challenge and noted that arrangements have been made since last year to facilitate overseas treatment through Aasandha, under the government’s medical welfare programme.

“There are individuals being sent abroad for endometriosis-related treatments. From January to June this year, MVR 1 million has been spent on 14 patients,” Heena said.

Committee members raised concerns over the cost of treatment abroad and the adequacy of assistance provided by NSPA. It was noted that current financial support for endometriosis surgeries ranges from USD 4,500 to 5,000, which is reportedly less than half of the actual cost in some cases.

Responding to this, Heena said the issue often stems from patients choosing hospitals that are not part of the Aasandha-approved provider network. “Patients who voluntarily opt for treatment at non-listed hospitals, which tend to be more expensive, are eligible only for the average assistance amount provided under Aasandha,” she explained. These hospitals include facilities in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Turkey, Malaysia, and Thailand.

NSPA Managing Director Aminath Zeeniya told the committee that the agency is working to identify a hospital with a comprehensive multi-specialty setup to be included under Aasandha. “We understand the importance of this issue and hope to finalise such arrangements soon,” she said.

At present, a dedicated endometriosis clinic operates at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), as part of a presidential pledge by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The clinic holds weekly sessions for patients.

However, concerns were raised about the availability of trained specialists. According to IGMH Medical Director Dr Aiminath Zeyba Ahmed, there are currently no certified specialists in endometriosis either in the Maldives or in hospitals abroad that are approved under Aasandha.

“There is no formal specialty or certification programme in endometriosis. Many of the doctors treating such patients abroad do so based on their own interest and accumulated experience,” she said. She added that while there are gynaecologists within IGMH who focus on managing the disease, no doctor is formally trained as a specialist in the field.

Dr Zeyba also pointed out the difficulty in diagnosing and treating endometriosis. The disease is managed using available treatments, but no permanent cure exists at this time.