Lanka Hospitals in Sri Lanka have stopped providing services under Aasandha due to unpaid bills.

Maldivians who visited the hospital yesterday were told by staff that they cannot get services under Aasandha.

"They said the hospital decided to halt services starting today [April 1]. When we asked why, they said they cannot give details," one person told Adhadhu.

Aasandha Managing Director Aminath Zeeniya said she had not received any such information and did not know the reason why they halted service.

But a source familiar with the matter told Adhadhu that Lanka Hospitals stopped providing Aasandha services due to unpaid bills.

The amount of outstanding bills could reach millions, the source said.

A larger number of Maldivians reside in Sri Lanka and a lot of Maldivians visit the country for medical services.

The Aasandha management has been facing criticism since President Dr. Mohamed 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.