Aasandha Company Limited, the national health insurance service of the Maldives, is making significant strides in expanding its healthcare coverage. The company has recently signed agreements with three hospitals located in Dubai and Bangkok, marking a new chapter for Maldivian citizens seeking medical treatment abroad. This partnership is set to begin next month, with services being available to patients starting January 15th.
New Partnerships with Hospitals in Dubai and Bangkok
The latest development includes agreements with Burjeel Medical City (BMC) in Dubai, along with World Medical Hospital and Bangkok Hospital in Thailand. These hospitals have been added to the list of approved facilities under the Aasandha coverage plan, which aims to provide comprehensive healthcare options for Maldivians who need treatment outside the country.
Aasandha’s Managing Director, Aminath Zeeniya, represented the company in signing the agreements, while the hospitals were represented by their respective management teams. These new partnerships offer a broader range of options for patients, offering quality healthcare services that may be better suited to certain medical conditions than what is available locally.
One of the major highlights of this new agreement is that it not only provides medical treatment but also covers accommodation expenses for Maldivian patients traveling to Dubai and Bangkok for healthcare. This initiative will make it easier for citizens to receive medical attention without the added financial burden of accommodation costs.
In a statement, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu emphasized that this move is part of the government's effort to improve healthcare access for Maldivians. The President had previously discussed expanding Aasandha’s medical coverage during his visit to China earlier this year, where he announced plans to enhance healthcare options by partnering with hospitals in countries like Thailand and the UAE.
With these new additions, Aasandha's international hospital network now includes a total of 57 foreign hospitals. Previously, Maldivian patients were mainly sent to India and Sri Lanka for medical treatment. However, with the inclusion of Dubai and Bangkok hospitals, patients now have more diverse options for specialized care. Among the 57 hospitals in Aasandha’s network, 49 are located in India, and eight are in Sri Lanka, providing a well-rounded selection of facilities to suit a variety of healthcare needs.
Aasandha’s expansion into Dubai and Bangkok represents a forward-thinking approach to healthcare for Maldivians. While the Maldives continues to improve its domestic medical facilities, the option to seek treatment abroad with full coverage ensures that citizens have access to the best possible care available. The expanded network of hospitals, along with accommodation support, provides an added layer of convenience for those in need of medical services that may not be available locally.
