Maldives to Introduce Special Insurance for Poor Patients with Chronic Illnesses

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced plans to roll out a special insurance scheme aimed at supporting financially vulnerable individuals suffering from serious chronic illnesses. The initiative, set to launch at the beginning of the Islamic year 1447 (Muharram), is being introduced under the leadership of Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.

Speaking on the initiative, Minister Shaheem revealed that the insurance scheme will be implemented in partnership with Allied Insurance and will specifically benefit those listed in the Zakat Fund's poor registry. It will provide coverage for patients battling long-term illnesses such as cancer, with a particular focus on addressing treatment needs that fall outside the scope of the national health insurance system, Aasandha.

The minister noted that one of the key objectives of this insurance is to ease the financial burden of accessing life-saving treatments and medications—especially those required from abroad, which often prove too costly for those in need. He stated, “By the grace of Allah, under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, a dedicated Zakat institution has been established in the Maldives, with substantial progress made in strengthening the overall Zakat system.”

Highlighting the growing impact of the Zakat Fund, Minister Shaheem said that last year saw a record collection in wealth zakat contributions. Funds from the Zakat system are currently used to support a wide range of assistance, including annual cash grants to registered poor individuals, aid for basic needs, and funding for medical care.

With the introduction of the new insurance scheme, the Ministry aims to offer an additional layer of protection and financial security for the country’s most vulnerable, ensuring better access to critical healthcare and easing the burdens of poverty.