Social and Family Development Minister Dr. Aishath Shiham disclosed today that medicine prices in the Maldives are a staggering 70 times higher than those in neighboring countries. Speaking in the House of Representatives, Minister Shiham highlighted the escalating costs and the strain it places on the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha.
Responding to inquiries from members, Minister Shiham underscored the alarming trend of rising expenditure on Aasandha, which has been steadily increasing year by year. Despite a significant allocation of the government's budget towards health, comparable to levels seen in developed countries, the disparity in medicine prices persists.
The stark contrast in medicine prices, as highlighted by Minister Shiham, presents a significant challenge for healthcare accessibility in the Maldives. Despite substantial investments in Aasandha, there are reports of individuals still resorting to social media appeals for treatment, indicating gaps in healthcare coverage.
Moreover, Minister Shiham emphasized the substantial increase in state budget spending on Aasandha over the past five years, soaring by 60 percent within this period alone.
Responding to inquiries from members, Minister Shiham underscored the alarming trend of rising expenditure on Aasandha, which has been steadily increasing year by year. Despite a significant allocation of the government's budget towards health, comparable to levels seen in developed countries, the disparity in medicine prices persists.
The stark contrast in medicine prices, as highlighted by Minister Shiham, presents a significant challenge for healthcare accessibility in the Maldives. Despite substantial investments in Aasandha, there are reports of individuals still resorting to social media appeals for treatment, indicating gaps in healthcare coverage.
Moreover, Minister Shiham emphasized the substantial increase in state budget spending on Aasandha over the past five years, soaring by 60 percent within this period alone.
