More new dates for clinics to resume Aasandha

National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has stated that it would soon authorize private clinics to start providing health care through the national health insurance scheme "Aasandha." While the government had given a date for the restart of Aasandha by private clinics, it had previously given two separate dates for the recommencement. May 15, and June 1, were the earlier stated dates for the restart of the service, however it had not produced any results.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed’s administration had only allowed Central Clinic and Central Medical through the scheme. Current administration had revoked the permit for Aasandha scheme as complaints were being filed in due to discrimination while issuing the permit.

NSPA board Chairman and State Health Minister, Thoriq Ali Luthfee said that the private clinics which meet the government specified criteria will be given the permit to start the service within the coming week.

“If requirements are met, 56 institutions will be given permission. What is important here is that the places meet our set criteria,” Thoriq said.

He said that the delays in providing Aasandha from private clinics are due to policies which they needed to look in to in order to provide the service from all private institutions at the same rates.

“We also have to check whether these prices are realistic, the reason why the issue had prolonged is due to the adoption of the previous rates list. Previously there have been really small rates agreed with NSPA, hence it is taking time to allocate the rates,” Thoriq said.

Health Minister Dr Ahmed Jamsheed previously stated that private parties will only be allowed to provide health care through Aasandha upon the rates provided by the government.

Thoriq said that while Aasandha is being restarted in clinics, several things would be assessed, including the police clearance certificate and individual registry of each service being provided.

“For example, some institutions may have a laboratory while they provide the services in affiliation with other parties. If there is a laboratory, the service also must be provided from the same place and the service must be registered,” he said.
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