In-vitro fertilization (IVF) services have been included under the universal health insurance scheme of Maldives, Aasandha Company Limited.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu made this announcement during a press conference hosted on Tuesday.

The presser was hosted at the President’s Office following a meeting with his Cabinet of Ministers.

Speaking to press, President Muizzu revealed that routine medical check-ups and IVF services have now been made free-of-charge, under the Aasandha scheme.

Shedding light on the three presidential pledges he has made regarding the Aasandha scheme, President Muizzu revealed that his administration is focused on preventive care.

Announcing the inclusion of medical check-ups as a service under the health insurance scheme, the president announced the initiation of public awareness campaigns about its benefits.

Further, he assured that the government would offer customized packages to cater to the needs of specific age groups.

Emphasizing that several disease profiling services would be made available bi-annually under the Aasandha Scheme, subject to the doctor's recommendation as well, President Muizzu stated that these measures would significantly ease the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, reduce the risk of life-threatening conditions, and foster a healthier lifestyle among the people.

Touching upon his second Aasandha-related pledge, President Muizzu expressed his commitment to address the financial burdens patients face when choosing to go for higher-standard hospitals while receiving treatment abroad.

The president also highlighted that patients are required to pay the difference when upgrading their healthcare services and noted that the cost difference would be covered under the health insurance scheme, which will in turn alleviate their financial strain.

Shedding light on the details, President Muizzu noted that a thorough grading mechanism would be in place to evaluate the quality of overseas hospitals that are participants in the Aasandha Scheme.

Further, President Muizzu also detailed that the Aasandha scheme would absorb the differential cost should a patient be referred to a hospital classified within a superior-grade tier.

Shedding light on his third pledge, President Muizzu mentioned the incorporation of IVF into the fertility treatments covered under the scheme and detailed plans to amend and officially announce changes to the Aasandha Scheme regulation to include IVF fertility treatment in the list of approved treatments.

In addition to this, he detailed the incoming formulation and subsequent publishing of a policy outlining the coverage for this treatment.

Tuesday’s presser also saw the president announcing the incumbent administration’s decision to establish a dedicated Fertility Care Centre and a dedicated fund supported by the government, for the cause.