The Malé City Group of Hospitals (MCGH) has officially opened its fourth optical outlet at Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, expanding access to prescription eyewear services in the atolls.

The optical shop was inaugurated by Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim.

MCGH Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem announced the development in a post on X, stating that with the opening of the outlet in Kulhudhuffushi, free prescription glasses funded under the Government’s Aasandha scheme will now be available beyond the Malé area, including in the northern and southern regions of the country.

He stated that the expansion forms part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to provide healthcare services closer to communities across the Maldives.

The first optical outlet established outside Malé was opened at Addu Equatorial Hospital. MCGH also operates optical outlets at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and Hulhumalé Hospital.

The cost of prescription eyewear has been a concern for many residents in recent years. Aasandha coverage for glasses previously stood at MVR 1,000. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu increased the coverage limit to MVR 2,000 with effect from June 1 last year.

The Government has confirmed that prescription glasses can be obtained within the Aasandha coverage limit through designated optical outlets.