Parliament petitioned to expand Aasandha coverage for type 1 diabetes
According to figures from the Diabetes Society of Maldives (DSM), more than 330 people are currently registered as living with Type 1 diabetes in the country.
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A petition has been submitted to the People's Majlis seeking expanded healthcare coverage and financial assistance for people living with Type 1 diabetes under the state health insurance scheme, Aasandha.
The proposal was submitted by Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim following concerns over the cost of treatment and access to medical supplies required to manage the condition.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. The condition can develop at any age and requires lifelong management through insulin treatment, blood glucose monitoring and regular medical consultations.
In a letter submitted to Parliament, Mohamed Ibrahim requested the Social Affairs Committee to summon senior officials of Aasandha to discuss measures that could be implemented to address the challenges faced by patients and their families.
Among the measures proposed are:
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Providing blood glucose meters and test strips under Aasandha to all people diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, including those over the age of 25.
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Extending full Aasandha coverage for Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) sensors.
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Establishing a system to import and distribute insulin pumps and related consumables within the Maldives.
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Ensuring uninterrupted supplies of insulin across the country.
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Improving the availability of MM4-sized needles used by children.
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Facilitating faster access to specialist consultations at government hospitals or allowing Aasandha coverage for consultations at private clinics.
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Providing financial assistance for travel and accommodation expenses incurred by children travelling from the atolls to Malé for treatment.
According to figures from the Diabetes Society of Maldives (DSM), more than 330 people are currently registered as living with Type 1 diabetes in the country.
The registry includes 36 children under the age of 10, 77 children under 18, and 110 individuals above the age of 18.
Insulin remains the primary treatment for Type 1 diabetes. Many patients administer insulin through injection pens several times a day to maintain blood glucose levels.
Some patients use insulin pumps, which deliver insulin continuously through a device attached to the body. The parliamentary submission noted that around 16 children in the Maldives currently rely on insulin pumps.
The letter also raised concerns about access to pump-related services and supplies after the company previously importing insulin pumps into the Maldives ceased operations.
Mohamed Ibrahim said the proposed measures are intended to reduce treatment costs, improve access to healthcare services and ensure patients have access to the supplies required to manage the condition.
