Govt working to expand Aasandha medicine list, says minister
Speaking in Parliament in response to questions from MPs, Minister Nazim said that no medicines covered under Aasandha have been discontinued.
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Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim said on Wednesday that work is underway to add more medicines to the list provided under the Aasandha scheme.
Speaking in Parliament in response to questions from MPs, Minister Nazim said that no medicines covered under Aasandha have been discontinued.
“There is no discontinuation of any drugs available in the country. In addition, work is being done to add medicines available in the country,” he said.
The minister said the government has no intention of reducing or limiting Aasandha benefits. He acknowledged that shortages occur in some cases, particularly when a specific brand of medicine is required.
“The medicines are generic and brands. If doctors prescribe a specific brand, there are cases where the medicine is not available. We are taking necessary steps to address this issue,” Nazim said.
He added that efforts are ongoing to ensure that all medicines listed as essential and all approved drugs remain available.
“Our data shows that we have reached a better point today than in the past. We expect to overcome this challenge,” he said.
