ACC highlights redundant testing as patients switch doctors

 The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has identified multiple regulatory and procedural issues in the Maldives’ healthcare system, with a recent report highlighting concerns over repeat diagnostic tests, referral systems, doctor practices, and pharmaceutical management.

The study, conducted by the ACC last year and made public Tuesday, examines various aspects of the Aasandha health insurance scheme and the broader healthcare structure. It notes the absence of standardised rules governing diagnosis and pricing in private healthcare facilities, and the lack of treatment plans or practice guidelines.

According to the report, patients can undergo the same diagnostic tests repeatedly by consulting different doctors. The lack of a unified system to determine whether a test is medically necessary has led to overuse and inefficiencies. The ACC stated that implementing regulatory standards would help ensure tests are clinically relevant and reduce duplication.

Another area of concern is the referral system, which the report states lacks adequate oversight. In some cases, patients face delays in receiving overseas treatment and are required to consult multiple specialists locally. This increases costs for the Aasandha scheme and places a burden on patients.

The report also points to the issue of doctors employed in public hospitals simultaneously working in private clinics, which it says creates a conflict of interest. Insufficient time spent on patient care and the absence of a monitoring and evaluation framework are noted as further weaknesses that enable misuse of services.

Pharmaceutical management was also highlighted. The ACC found that medicine pricing lacks a systematic approach, and there is no formal structure for monitoring imported drug stocks. The report notes that the list of approved medicines by the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) does not include necessary details such as the strength of drugs or corresponding selling prices.

The ACC warned that the lack of proper guidelines in a sector directly affecting people’s lives can lead to decisions misaligned with public interest and encourage corrupt practices.

The report offers several recommendations, including:

The ACC underscored the importance of addressing these gaps to improve service delivery, prevent misuse, and strengthen accountability within the health sector.