Public Hospital Opticals Issue Over 23,800 Pairs of Glasses Under Expanded Welfare Scheme

Public hospital optical outlets across the Maldives have processed nearly 24,000 orders for prescription glasses, signaling a swift uptake of an expanded state welfare initiative aimed at reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

Data provided by the Male’ City Group of Hospitals (MCGH) shows that “MCGH Opticals” outlets—established across four major regional health facilities—have registered 23,847 orders to date, with the vast majority already manufactured and handed over to patients.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in the capital recorded the highest volume, taking 13,595 orders and delivering 12,507 finished pairs. Hulhumalé Hospital followed with 8,934 orders and 8,247 deliveries. In the atolls, Addu Equatorial Hospital processed 2,096 orders (1,746 delivered), while Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital handled 1,650 orders (1,347 delivered).

The state-backed optical scheme reflects a policy push by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration to lower optical care costs through the national health insurance provider, Aasandha. Last June, the government doubled the biennial Aasandha allowance for prescription eyewear from MVR 1,000 to MVR 2,000 per person.

To ease queues at state facilities, Aasandha expanded the scheme on 15 January 2026 to include 18 registered private optical centers and clinics operating under standardized price caps. Participating private providers include ADK Hospital, EyeCare branches, Advance Eye Clinic, City Optical, Vision Clinic, and Senahiya, alongside several regional medical centers.