It has been revealed that assistance is easily provided for requests sent through government representatives to the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) and the universal health scheme Aasandha, which operate within the system established to provide social protection to the citizens of Maldives.

Many sources who shared information with RaajjeMV have stated that the easiest way for those seeking medical treatment in the Maldives and abroad to receive NSPA and Aasandha services is by sending requests through Members of Parliament affiliated with the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).

One person described how after trying many times to get help for overseas medical treatment without success from Aasandha, they finally received assistance when a member intervened on their behalf.

The person cited the parliamentarian having instructed him to send the hospital document and ID card which he followed. Two days later, the person is to have received a call from the parliamentarian, who confirmed that it has been approved.

According to a reliable source, parliamentarians send requests directly to the Managing Directors (MDs) of Aasandha and NSPA. It is understood that such requests are given special attention under the supervision of the MDs.

There have been increasing complaints about the loss of equality that should exist for every Maldivian citizen in providing essential services such as medical care, with arrangements being made to provide medical assistance in a way that favors certain groups.

In addition to this, there have been increasing complaints that neither Aasandha nor NSPA provide assistance for submissions made multiple times with doctor's notes stating the need for treatment abroad, unless made through a political figure.

An individual who spoke to RaajjeMV said that every time they submitted to Aasandha with a doctor's note, they were told that since it was treatment available in the Maldives, Aasandha could not approve it.

The individual responded by asking if the doctor would provide the note if it can be done in the Maldives.

When asked if they had considered submitting documents through a member, the individual said that any assistance given should be for them, not for the member and that they don’t want help any other way.

In general, several members of the public have been saying that recently it has become near impossible to obtain assistance from NSPA and Aasandha for medical treatment.