Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) is set to begin providing optical services later this month, in a move aimed at improving access to affordable vision care across the country.

The decision was announced by CEO of the Male’ City Group of Hospitals, Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem, during an interview. The new service comes in response to growing public demand and long-standing concerns over the lack of optical services in Government healthcare facilities.

According to Haleem, the absence of in-house optical services at state hospitals has placed a financial burden on the public. Currently, the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha, covers only MVR 1,000 for prescription glasses every two years. To address this, the Government recently doubled the allowance to MVR 2,000. He added that preparations are also underway to extend similar services to Government hospitals in the atolls, ensuring equitable access to vision care throughout the Maldives.

The optical service at IGMH will cater to prescriptions issued both by IGMH and other medical centres, ensuring wider accessibility. The initiative follows President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s announcement in May to expand Government healthcare services, including the provision of optical support.

Data from Aasandha indicates that in 2024 alone, over 36,000 individuals accessed the subsidy for prescription glasses. The introduction of this service at IGMH is expected to significantly ease the process for patients.