In a recent social media post, NSPA CEO Heena Waleed addressed concerns about alleged exploitation within the Aasandha medical insurance scheme, highlighting cases where private providers inflated drug prices for personal gain. 

Heena, who also serves as Chief Spokesperson at the President’s Office, noted that the issue surfaced while revising Aasandha's drug prices, particularly for the costly Lucentis Injection used in eye care. 

She revealed that certain providers had charged Aasandha nearly MVR 23,000 for injections, far above the USD500 actual cost, yielding profits of up to MVR 14,000 per injection. Additionally, she pointed out that these medicines were sold without proper import registration.

Heena emphasised that the Government is already taking action, implementing price controls and ensuring welfare assistance for patients in need. Under new reforms, Aasandha will allow insured individuals to use their personal insurance plans alongside Aasandha, with the changes becoming effective from October 1. These steps aim to strengthen the Aasandha scheme, making it more sustainable, affordable, and transparent in the upcoming budget.