National Health Insurance Scheme Faces Allegations of Fraudulent Practices

Malé, Maldives — The Maldives’ national health insurance scheme, Aasandha, is under scrutiny as Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim has voiced concerns over alleged fraudulent activities involving local clinics and their foreign partners. The scheme, which provides universal health coverage to all Maldivian citizens, receives an annual allocation of MVR 2 billion from the state, with an additional MVR 3 billion allocated for social protection programs.

During a recent parliamentary committee session, Nazim, who also represents Dhiggaru as a Member of Parliament, disclosed that significant sums of Maldivian rufiyaa may have been misappropriated through what he described as “collusive schemes” involving local clinics and international collaborations. “We have reviewed documentation that suggests coordinated efforts to exploit the Aasandha system,” Nazim stated, highlighting concerns that the program, designed to provide comprehensive healthcare to all Maldivians, is being misused for financial gain by some entities.

Nazim explained that the alleged scheme involves certain foreign specialists who are engaged by local clinics. Patients requiring further treatment are often referred to these specialists, which Nazim described as part of the concerning pattern. “There is enough documentation to suggest that this is a coordinated scheme between clinics in the country and some international partners,” he said.

The committee investigating the matter has reviewed documents from 2023 and 2024, identifying similar patterns of activity in both years. Nazim also pointed out that Aasandha currently owes USD 2 million to an ophthalmic hospital and another USD 1 million to a pharmacy, which he suggested could be connected to these practices.

Nazim also expressed concern that the current structure might inadvertently incentivize sending patients abroad for treatments that could be performed locally.

In response to these concerns, Nazim raised the question of whether the Aasandha system needs reform. Minister of Finance Mohamed Shafeeq acknowledged the necessity for reform and announced that measures would be introduced in October. He assured that any changes would be carefully implemented to maintain public access to healthcare services.