Monday 30 Mar 2026
Ambulances parked by the Fishermen's Park in Male' City on May 12, 2020. (Sun Photo/Fayaz Moosa)
The government of the Maldives has announced a major update to the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha, which will now extend coverage to include ambulance services for certain non-emergency medical situations. This policy transition, as confirmed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, is scheduled to be implemented starting in April 2026. The decision stems from the administration's commitment to addressing long-standing public inconvenience and reducing the financial burden on citizens who require regular medical transport for chronic conditions or limited mobility. By incorporating these specific categories into the national health insurance framework, the government aims to enhance healthcare equity across the nation.
Aasandha coverage has been expanded to cover ambulance services in certain non-emergency situations, says President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
President Muizzu told reporters on Monday that the changes will take effect starting April.
He said that starting April, the national health insurance scheme will cover ambulance transfers to hospitals for emergency patients, deceased patients, bedridden patients, wheelchair-bound patients taken for OPD services, thalassemia patients, and patients with various disabilities.
President Muizzu said that his administration made the changes following extensive technical discussions, and after researching the budget and making necessary calculations.
“This is a request we frequently get from citizens. This is something that the people have been inconvenienced about for a long time, and have been hoping a solution for,” he said.
President Muizzu said he hopes the change will help the people.
Aasandha currently provides coverage for ambulance transfers of emergency patients and patients in serious condition.
