The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has opened a new call centre at its Addu City while extending hotline operating hours to improve public access to information and assistance.

The Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare announced that the NSPA hotline will now operate from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day except Friday, allowing members of the public to access services beyond regular office hours.

Through the hotline (1402), the public can obtain information on medical welfare, disability allowances and financial assistance, as well as receive guidance on completing application forms and accessing other services provided by NSPA.

The ministry said the expanded service is intended to make it easier for the public to obtain information and support from the agency.

In addition, applications for a range of NSPA services can now be submitted through oneGov. These include financial assistance for single parents living in poverty, food assistance, disability-related services, the thalassaemia allowance, therapeutic support for persons with disabilities, and financial assistance for children living under the care of guardians without parental support.