The Government has amended Aasandha regulations to expand access to overseas medical treatment, allowing patients to receive coverage based on the nature of their illness, medical condition and other treatment-related considerations.

Previously, Aasandha coverage for treatment abroad was only available for medical services that could not be provided in the Maldives. However, the revised regulations introduce greater flexibility in determining eligibility for overseas treatment.

Under the new rules, decisions on overseas treatment coverage will take into account factors such as the type and severity of an illness, difficulties in accessing treatment locally and other relevant medical circumstances. The changes also allow Aasandha coverage to be approved in certain cases even when treatment is available within the Maldives.

The amendments further provide coverage for patients who require continued treatment abroad. Patients who need to return overseas for follow-up care or to complete treatment after specialist medical advice will also be eligible for Aasandha coverage under the revised framework.

In addition, the regulations specify that referrals for overseas treatment must be issued by specialist doctors working at healthcare providers registered under the Aasandha scheme. Where a specialist in the required field is unavailable on an island or within an atoll, referrals may be authorised through a doctor approved by Aasandha.

The changes were published in the Government Gazette and have now come into effect.