President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has directed relevant authorities to arrange the provision of up to USD 2,000 through local banks for patients under the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) seeking medical treatment abroad.

The announcement, made on the President’s official X account on Monday, aims to bring NSPA patients in line with current foreign exchange arrangements available to those covered under the Aasandha scheme.

The President also instructed that individuals travelling abroad for treatment at their own expense be granted access to USD 1,000 at the bank rate.

Currently, only Aasandha patients are eligible to receive up to USD 2,000 through local banks.

According to the announcement, the new arrangements are to be implemented from August 1, 2025, with relevant authorities tasked with coordinating the process with local banks.