Petition seeking end to state-funded health insurance for MPs qualifies for parliamentary debate

An electronic petition calling for the removal of state-funded health insurance benefits for members of parliament has surpassed the signature threshold required for formal consideration by the People's Majlis.

The petition has received more than 3,900 signatures after being submitted by Miduam Saud, founder of the NGO Aamunge Jamiyya.

Under the Majlis e-petition system, any petition that secures at least 2,100 signatures must be debated in parliament. The matter must also be prioritised for consideration and a formal decision reached on the issues raised.

The petition reached the required threshold within three days of its launch. With 41 days remaining in the signature collection period, supporters have begun a campaign on social media encouraging more people to sign.

Campaigners have also called on political leaders and serving members of parliament to support the petition. Some business owners have publicly offered financial support to volunteers conducting door-to-door awareness and signature collection efforts.

The petition argues that the current health insurance arrangements for MPs place a burden on public finances and provide benefits not available to the wider public.

According to the petition, state-funded health insurance is provided to serving MPs, their spouses and children under the age of 18. Former MPs are also entitled to continue receiving coverage after leaving office.

The petition claims that approximately MVR 100 million has been spent on insurance premiums for parliamentarians.

It further argues that expenditure will continue to increase as more former MPs become eligible for lifetime coverage under the existing framework.

Supporters of the petition contend that providing health insurance benefits unavailable to ordinary citizens is inconsistent with accepted standards of public office.

The petition also cites research which it says found no comparable system of lifetime health insurance for former lawmakers among the world's 10 largest economies.

The current arrangements are provided under the Parliamentary Privileges and Powers Act.

The law requires the state to provide health insurance coverage for serving MPs and their eligible family members for treatment in the Maldives, SAARC member states and ASEAN countries.

The Act also requires former MPs to receive health insurance benefits equivalent to those provided to sitting members.

The petition has been submitted at a time when parliament is considering proposals related to MP health insurance benefits.

A committee meeting held to discuss proposed changes to the insurance scheme was conducted behind closed doors. According to reports, committee members stated that the matter was unlikely to attract wider public interest.

With the petition having exceeded the required threshold, the issue is now set to be brought before parliament for debate and a decision.