Adhadhu has learnt that no patients have been sent to Thailand and UAE under Aasandha despite announcing the launch of services almost two months ago.
A source familiar with Aasandha told Adhadhu, on the condition of anonymity, that many people have been submitting requests for medical treatment in the two countries.
"As soon as the announcement was made, we started receiving many requests for Aasandha services in Thailand and UAE. But not a single person has been sent under the scheme yet," the source said.
On December 15, the government signed agreements with Bangkok Hospital, World Medical Hospital and Burjeel Medical City (BMC) in Dubai.
The source said the agreements were signed "in a hurry" and that the government had no intention of sending patients to the two countries under Aasandha.
"This is not like sending them to India or Sri Lanka. Aasandha already owes a lot of money to hospitals in India and Sri Lanka. But, hospitals in Thailand and the UAE will not work that way. They expect timely payments," the source said.
On January 13 2024, after returning from a state visit to China, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced that efforts will be made to be less dependent on India for health services, including expanding Aasandha to UAE and Thailand.
"Instead of making Aasandha available by going to medical facilities in a particular country, we will expand Aasandha, God willing, to better quality countries, UAE and Thailand," President Muizzu said then.
The Aasandha management has been facing criticism since Muizzu assumed office in November 2023.
Sources previously told Adhadhu that a special desk had been set up to arrange Aasandha services for those nominated by ruling party lawmakers.
There are also complaints because previously available medicines are no longer available under Aasandha. These include medications for cancer, diabetes and allergies.
