The Bank of Maldives (BML) has announced expanded dollar support for individuals travelling overseas for medical treatment, following a directive from President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

Effective immediately, patients receiving assistance under the NSPA programme will be eligible to receive up to USD 2,000 through BML. Previously, this amount was only available to those travelling under the Aasandha scheme. The amount disbursed will be determined by NSPA.

In addition, patients who are travelling abroad for treatment at their own expense will now be able to access up to USD 1,000 from the bank.

The decision follows a commitment made by President Muizzu on 21 July via social media, where he pledged to ease access to foreign currency for all patients travelling for medical purposes, not just those covered by Aasandha. The changes took effect on 1 August.