The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has announced that coverage under the Aasandha national health insurance scheme will be extended to include prescription glasses purchased from clinics and optical shops across the Maldives, starting 15 January.
The decision follows concerns raised by the public during community meetings held by Mohamed Muizzu, where residents highlighted difficulties in accessing Aasandha-supported services in certain areas. In response, the President instructed relevant authorities to address existing gaps and ensure more equitable access to healthcare assistance nationwide.
In a statement, National Social Protection Agency said the expanded coverage will allow eligible individuals to receive financial support for both prescription lenses and frames through Aasandha. The agency noted that detailed policies and operational guidelines will be finalised in coordination with relevant stakeholders ahead of implementation.
As part of the broader initiative, optical shops have already been established at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and Hulhumalé Hospital, enabling patients to access prescription glasses directly through the Aasandha scheme. The current administration has also enhanced financial assistance for eyewear, increasing the allowance from MVR 1,000 every two years to MVR 2,000, effective from June this year.
NSPA said the policy change is aimed at improving access to essential healthcare services and responding directly to public feedback regarding limitations in Aasandha coverage, particularly for vision care.
Officials added that the expansion reflects the government’s wider efforts to strengthen social protection services and ensure that healthcare support reaches citizens more effectively, regardless of location.