More than 7,000 Maldivians have signed a petition calling for the repeal of laws granting specialised health insurance to Members of Parliament and their families across SAARC and ASEAN nations.
The petition demands that lawmakers be integrated into the same national health insurance scheme provided to the general public.
Launched on August 16 by social media activist Midhuam Saud, the petition has garnered 7,096 signatures, with five days remaining before the deadline. Having surpassed the required threshold, the petition must now be formally debated on the floor of the People’s Majlis.
"Providing health insurance to representatives in Parliament using public funds—benefits that the public themselves do not receive—is not a practice recognised by any mature political system. It is not something done even by countries many times wealthier than the Maldives," the petition states.
Under the Parliamentary Privileges Act, every member, along with their spouse and children under the age of 18, must be enrolled in a medical insurance scheme that provides coverage in the Maldives, as well as in SAARC and ASEAN countries. This law also extends health insurance benefits to former members of parliament.
The issue of parliamentary medical insurance has long been a focal point of public criticism. Many citizens believe that lawmakers should not be entitled to a separate, exclusive insurance scheme.
According to the Standing Orders of the Majlis, a petition signed by 0.2% of the population can be submitted to a parliamentary committee. However, a petition signed by 0.5% of the population mandates a formal debate on the Majlis floor. Based on current population figures, 0.2% equates to 840 signatures, while 0.5% requires 2,100 signatures.
The regulations stipulate that once a petition meets the second threshold, the Petition Committee must hold its first meeting within two days of receipt to bring the matter to the government's attention. Furthermore, the petition must be forwarded to the Speaker of the Majlis to facilitate a floor debate.
Additionally, the Standing Orders require the government to disclose its stance on the petition within 30 days of being notified. The government must also submit to the Majlis the measures it intends to take to address the concerns raised in the petition.
The regulations specify that the 30 days is calculated excluding public holidays.
