MVR 3.4 million from the Zakat fund has been used to provide medical assistance for those in need of funding.

Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Shafiu Ali revealed this during an interview on RaajjeTV on Monday night. He said that the MVR 3.4 million was spent since January.

Noting that the government is working to assist locals in dire need of health care but lack the funds, Shafiu said that this entails “a number of expenditures" including accommodation, food and travel.

He said that those requiring assistance from the ministry are to submit a form, and highlighted that there are 30 individuals currently seeking medical care abroad through assistance from the Zakat Fund.

The government, back in 2018, decided to provide health care for the unfortunate through the Zakat Fund. The main objective of this is to ensure medical assistance for the people who are not eligible for the national health insurance scheme Aasandha, as well as people who are in need of additional funding.

Authorities had made the decision to use the Zakat Fund to assist those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as well. As per the latest statistics, a total of MVR 5.5 million has been spent on Covid-19 response efforts including in assisting locals stranded abroad.