Second batch of Maldivian patients arrive in India
The 59 patients as well as caregivers arrived in the neighboring nation on Tuesday evening
(File photo The first batch of 64 people -including 28 patients and caregivers- travelled to India in late June
A second batch of Maldivian patients requiring advanced critical care departed to India on Tuesday.
The 59 patients as well as caregivers arrived in the neighboring nation on Tuesday evening, according to a tweet by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.
High Commissioner, Sunjay Sudhir, informed the foreign minister of the Indian government’s decision to approve the second batch of Maldivian patients at a meeting held on July 1.
While the first batch of 64 people -including 28 patients and caregivers- travelled to India in late June, the permission being granted to Maldivian patients by Indian authorities is the first of its kind.
The foreign ministry, who is conducting the work together with Aasandha, last week announced that it will be facilitating travel of patients requiring urgent critical care, who are not covered by the national health insurance scheme.
The foreign ministry noted that even if approved by the ministry, the patients and caregivers will be allowed to travel after the required authorization from Indian authorities. They are also required to obtain medical visas from the Indian High Commission in Maldives, as well arrange their own stay and quarantine arrangements in India.
Accommodation is provided to the patients under Aasandha.
High Commissioner Sunjay Sudhir told RaajjeTV that the India’s decision to permit critically-ill patients is “unprecedented” adding that it was approved given that this is “a humanitarian request”.
While India closed its borders following the Covid-19 pandemic, with the high commissioner stressing that its citizens abroad are currently not able to return home as well, the country is yet to announce a date for border reopening.
